This book analyses the historical interactions between UNESCO and China during the often-neglected period of 1945–1971.

Spans UNESCO’s inception up to the year the People’s Republic of China (PRC) regained the official Chinese seat at the United Nations, the book uncovers the multifaceted dynamics of this relationship by mapping out interactions in three major aspects: education, science, and culture. It sheds light on China’s complex role in the postwar world order, demonstrating how the nation perceived and practiced its international role during this tumultuous period. By examining UNESCO’s presence during the Chinese Civil War and Cold War, the tensions, difficulties, and legacies of science diplomacy and cultural diplomacy facilitated by the organization are revealed. The book also maps out some “lost links” in the current narratives of both UNESCO and China’s diplomacy, providing the historical trajectory necessary for understanding China’s current and future engagement with the organization and the broader world.

This book will be of interest to scholars and students specializing in modern China, Cross-Strait Relations, East Asia Studies, the history of science, Cold War history, diplomatic history, international history, transnational history, and global history, particularly through the lens of international organizations.