This dialogue between Jeffrey Wasserstrom, a California-based specialist in Chinese history and politics, and Lijia Zhang, an author of fiction and non-fiction who grew up in Nanjing, will explore what is new and what is familiar about the current tensions and sources of misunderstanding between the U.S. and China.

The panelists will look back to two very different kinds of points in history in particular to place the contemporary moment into perspective: the start of the Cultural Revolution sixty years ago, and 1986 when two decades later Wasserstrom went to China for first time and Zhang's knowledge of and interest in the West was burgeoning.

Drawing on personal experiences as well as research and writing they have done, the two speakers will offer their thoughts on how looking to the past can help us view more clearly the nature of U.S.-China relations in the New World Disorder of the present.

We're delighted to welcome Professor Jeffrey Wasserstrom and Lijia Zhang as part of China Week 2026.

Speakers

Jeffrey Wasserstrom is a professor of history at UC Irvine and a specialist in modern Chinese history. He is the author or editor of more than a dozen books, including Vigil: Hong Kong on the Brink. His most recent book is Everything You Wanted To Know About China: But Were Afraid To Ask.

Lijia Zhang is a rocket-factory worker turned freelance journalist, social commentator and the author of Socialism is Great! A Worker's Memoir of the New China.

This is a free event, which means we overbook to allow for no-shows and avoid empty seats. While we generally do not have to turn people away, this does mean we cannot guarantee all ticket holders a place. Admission is on a first come, first served basis. Those without tickets will not be admitted.

This event is hosted as part of King’s Lau China Institute’s CHINA WEEK (19-23 October) - a series of events designed to engage a wider audience in China. Find out more at kcl.ac.uk/china-week