China and the International Astronomical Union

The narrative explores a significant crisis in 1960 when China severed ties with the International Astronomical Union in response to Taiwan's admission. This event mirrored broader tensions affecting various scientific unions and the Olympic Games. The book highlights how the Olympics became a platform for reconciliation, reflecting China's gradual re-engagement with the global community two decades later. Through this lens, it examines the intersection of politics and science during a pivotal historical moment.