China-U.S. Relations: Current Issues and Implications for U.S. Policy
Abstract
Throughout much of the George W. Bush Administration, U.S.-China relations have remained unusually smooth and stable. But in the 109th Congress, U.S. policy towards China appears to be subject to competing reassessments. State Department officials late in 2005 unveiled what they described as a new policy framework for the relationship, one in which the United States was willing to work cooperatively with a nondemocratic China while encouraging Beijing to become a "responsible stakeholder" in the global system. Other U.S. policy makers appear to be adopting tougher stances on issues involving China and U.S.-China relations, expressing their concerns about strong PRC economic growth and a more assertive and influential diplomacy in the international arena. Taiwan, which China considers a "renegade province," remains the most sensitive issue the two countries face and the one many observers fear could lead to Sino-U.S. conflict. In March 2005, Beijing adopted an "anti-secession" law aimed at curbing Taiwan's independence. U.S. officials regarded the action as provocative and unconstructive for regional stability. Another matter of growing concern is China's increasing global "reach" in recent years and the consequences that Beijing's expanding economic and political influence have for U.S. interests. China is steadily signing trade agreements, oil and gas contracts, scientific cooperation agreements, and multilateral security arrangements with countries around the world, some of which are key U.S. allies. Much of the current concern about China appears to be driven by security calculations at the Pentagon and in Congress. In June 2005, Secretary Rumsfeld questioned the motivations behind China's expanding military budget. Bilateral economic and trade issues also remain matters of concern, with U.S. officials and Congress particularly criticizing China's failure to halt piracy of U.S. intellectual property rights, and its continued constraints on its currency valuation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 20, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA476426
Entities
People
- Kerry Dumbaugh
Organizations
- Library of Congress