This book investigates how the United States Congress influences and shapes American foreign policy toward China. Xie Tao, a scholar of political science, utilizes the framework of new institutionalism to analyze legislative behavior and the specific mechanisms through which congressional activism impacts bilateral relations. By examining key areas such as trade, human rights, and the status of Taiwan, the author argues that Congress acts as a significant, often overlooked, driver of U.S.-China policy.

Experts recognize this work as a specialized study on the intersection of domestic legislative processes and international diplomacy. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose and the utility of the provided bibliographical references for further research into congressional behavior.