Description: The incorporation of Taiwan into the Qing empire in the 17th century and its evolution into a province by the late 19th century involved not only a reconsideration of imperial geography but also a reconceptualization of the Chinese domain. Here, Teng takes the view of Taiwan-China relations as a product of the history of Qing expansionism.
Brief description: Emma J. Teng is Professor of Chinese Studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Review Quotes: Refreshingly, Teng divorces the relationship of the island and the mainland from the now stale arguments over reunification, or whether or not Taiwan is part of China, and grounds it in the tantalizing history of Chinese imperialism. She draws on Qing dynasty (1644-1911) travel writing and paintings to argue that China effectively colonized the island... Teng makes adroit use of a growing body of literature stigmatizing China as a colonial conqueror--rather than a victim of European colonialism--and incorporates the importance of Taiwan into the debate on Chinese expansionism.--Macabe Keliher "Far Eastern Economic Review" (10/7/2004 12:00:00 AM)