"China Boys offers a close-up view of the U.S. opening to China and the pioneer days in U.S.-China relations. Diplomat Nicholas Platt describes preparations for the historic Nixon visit to China in 1972, the setting up of America's first resident diplomatic office in the PRC, headed by David Bruce, and the first encounters between Americans and Chinese, including Olympic athletes, orchestra maestros, members of Congress, airplane manufacturers, bankers, scientists, and inner city youths. He further reveals the forging of the first links between the Pentagon and the People's Liberation Army following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and shows how these ties evolved into today's crucial relationship. He also examines the role played by nongovernmental organizations like the Asia Society in buliding U.S.-China relations."--P. [4] of cover.