Concentrates on the main currents of modern Chinese and Japanese history from the seventeenth century to the present. Balances social and political facets as well as Far Eastern thought, religion, and the arts. Final chapter discusses the trial of the "Gang of Four", the establishment of formal diplomatic relations with the U.S., the opening of China for tourism and foreign industrial development, and China's entry into the United Nations. Illustrated with photographs, fine art, line drawings, maps. Includes time lines, lists of reference works cited, suggestions for further readinng.