The Image of Jews in Contemporary China

The modern Chinese interest in Jews and Judaism stems from the actions of Protestant missionaries who translated the Christian Bible into Chinese in the early nineteenth century. The Chinese people who interacted with these missionaries came to see Judaism as part of Christian history and civilization. During China’s rapid economic expansion, its people’s fascination with Jews has also grown. Bookstores in Beijing are stocked with dozens of Chinese-language books on how Jews conduct business, manage the world, and raise children. At least ten universities throughout China offer popular Jewish Studies programs, some with advanced degrees. Despite all of this, there are virtually no Jews in China: the Chinese are constructing an identity for a people that the large majority of them will never meet.