bamboo curtain

American  

[bam-boo kur-tn] / ˈbæmˌbu ˈkɜr tn /

Or Bamboo Curtain

noun

1. the political and ideological barrier that impeded relations between Communist Asia, especially China, and the West from 1949 to 1972.

---

bamboo curtain British  

noun

1. (esp in the 1950s and 1960s) the political and military barrier to communications around the People's Republic of China

---

Etymology

Origin of bamboo curtain

First recorded in 1949; modeled on iron curtain ( def. )

Example Sentences

Though never totally impenetrable, this “bamboo curtain” led thousands of defectors facing starvation, oppression, and a lack of opportunity at home, to risk the journey across the less-hostile northern border and cross into China.

From Washington Times

Loosely inspired by traditional Polynesian huts, the home featured a steep roof design, bamboo curtains and a triangle-shaped swimming pool with a gas jet that sent flames shooting into the air.

From Washington Post

New also has a fondness for tropical and jungle themes, with tiki torches, bamboo curtains and animal print tapestries in the living room, and African masks and carvings hung on the dining room wall.

From Washington Times

Such is the harsh reality of life behind the bamboo curtain.

From The Guardian

A North Korean couple pulled the bamboo curtain across the front of their table when they heard foreigners arrive.

From Washington Post