The US Defense Relationship with China for the Coming Decade.
Abstract
The United States was shocked by the political successes of communism in the post-World War world. Europe had been divided into two camps, the Chinese mainland was taken by Mao Zedong and the Chinese communists, and Korea was also divided between a communist regime in the north and a democracy in the south. The U.S. found that mutual interests with the People's Republic of China (PRC) were bringing them together. The Soviet Union was viewed as a common enemy in some respects and the PRC's desire to modernize its military and economy meant economic and political opportunities for the U.S. in China. China has begun to experiment with capitalism and is continuing to grow stronger in both tactical and strategic nuclear weapons capability. The PRC is attempting to acquire military technology from any source, using any means it has at its disposal. While there are, no doubt, many advantages to both sides in this new relationship, the U.S. needs to be wary that it not be duped into giving up more than it can ever hope to obtain in return from the relationship. Recent developments in nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and PRC are worrisome because of their implications for the possible spread of nuclear capability to Third World countries. The U.S. should continue to encourage the reform in China brought about by Premier Deng Xiaoping, but caution is advised.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA168103
Entities
People
- Gregory L. Johnson
Organizations
- United States Army War College