Wang Gungwu's study of the relationship between China and the Chinese with imperial Britain examines the possibilities, as well as the limits of their encounters. Beyond the cliché s of opium, fighting, and the diplomatic skills needed to fend off rivals and enemies, Gungwu probes areas of more intimate encounters, not least of which is the beginning of a broader English-speaking future between the two countries.

Wang Gungwu is Professor and Director, East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore.

1. Introduction; 2. To fight; 3. To trade; 4. To convert; 5. To rule; 6. Beyond Waley's list.