China's Strategic Culture in the Asia Pacific and Stabilizing Policies for the U.S. and Regional Powers
Abstract
Asia-Pacifics importance to the world is intertwined with Chinas rise. With the growth of Chinas power and assertiveness of its actions in the region, attention has been drawn to its intentions in the global order. The analyses have generally fallen into two extremes either fatalistic ones that predict Chinas intentions of hegemony and the inevitability of conflict with the US, or overly optimistic ones that echo Chinas official proclamations of a peaceful rise in a harmonious world. However, as this essay will argue, China has a characteristic strategic culture that is shaped by its unique history, geography, and philosophical influences. The elements include: a sense of centrality, a long perspective of time, social and political order to maintain unity of state, an aversion to foreign interference in its domestic affairs, and military strategy to build dominant political and psychological advantage. This strategic culture produces distinctive behaviors that are nuanced, constructivist, and even paradoxical to the untrained eye.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 24, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1175824
Entities
People
- Yong Choy
Organizations
- Marine Corps University