This publication analyzes the reform movement in China before and after the Tiananmen Square demonstrations of 1989. In the aftermath of the cold war and because of recent mutual hostility, U.S.-Chinese relations are at a critical juncture. The events leading up to and encompassing the demonstrations in Tiananmen Square and the brutal manner in which the Chinese government dealt with them are described. Comprised of five sections, the volume's first section examines the reform movement in China leading up to Tiananmen. The period of 1978-89 was filled with a number of major reform efforts, with the focus on economic development. The second section examines the reform movement in the wake of Tiananmen Square. For more than 2 years after the demonstrations, the reform process faltered. Price reform, an expanding entrepreneurial sector, and foreign trade were three areas in which economic progress was made. The third section examines Chinese foreign policy, which for many decades existed largely in the context of the Sino-Soviet-American "strategic triangle." The manner in which the Chinese government dealt with the Tiananmen crisis in terms of its relations with the rest of the world--at first defensively and then aggressively courting favorable world opinion--is the focus of the section. The fourth section examines Sino-American relations. The foundation of this relationship throughout the 1970s and most of the 1980s was a common opposition to the Soviet Union. The role of Taiwan in Sino-American relations also is examined in this section. The fifth section is concerned with China's future, including such topics as reform and succession and Sino-American relations and the new world order, as well as U.S. reassessment. While the United States and China have major areas of disagreement, the two countries need to work out a mature, more complex, post-cold war relationship. A reading list of 18 items and questions for classroom or community discussion are included. (DB)