http://blog.modernmechanix.com/2006/01/30/...an-his-science/

Following up on my previously posted topic here, it is interesting to see an alternative attitude towards the Chinese in the West. And this was well before World War II, to boot. A minority opinion, it probably was, and a bit inaccurate, but a very interesting and refreshing take on "those Orientals" for its time.

I believe the early 20th century was the beginning of a more positive attempt by the west to try and understand China, esp. its ancient invention and science. Works carried out by Joseph Needham truly contributed to the understanding of ancient chinese science.

Ever since the humiliating defeat of the Opium war of 1841 in China, the western powers basically had shattered their image of a 'strong China'. Perception of China changed from positive to negative of viewing China as a weak closed-up and conservative nation and that western technology and civilization had already surpassed China by leaps and bounds. As such, exploitation of the weakness of China began to dominate many of the aggressive policies of European powers towards China (seen in carving up the "Sphere of Influence" in China during 2nd half of Qing period ). The late 19th century western literature generally had a more negative, biased and condescending views towards China. Even by early 20th century, China was still perceived as a "weakling" by the west.

The west began to slowly change its perception towards China starting from early 20th century as a result of greater Sinology studies in the West. During WWII, China became an allies of the west against Japan, Germany and Italy. From 1945-1972, the west basically favoured ROC in Taiwan rather than PRC (known as "Communist China") due to cold war syndrome. With the opening up of China from 1979 onwards, China began to develop its economy and gradually had progressed from a 'very poor' nation to today's fast emerging economic powerhouse. The re-emergence (Rise) of China's economy had led the West becoming more interested in studying and learning about China. With the internet, the world had become smaller today and globalization had led to the gap between China and West becoming smaller. I believe the West's understanding of China had become much better than what it was 100 years ago.