A Strategy for Imposing Repressive Economic Measures against Communist China
Abstract
The Chinese economy is considered by its leadership to be a tool for the attainment of greater national power through industrialization and self-sufficiency. According to Communist ideology, the economy is subordinate to political objectives, making it subject to strict central planning and strong central controls. Since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the regime has embarked on a forced-draft program of socialization and industrialization. Gains in some sectors were rapid and impressive until the economic crisis of 1959-60, and since then economic emphasis has been focused on reconstruction and readjustment based on priorities designed to support the agricultural sector. By 1964, the economy had largely regained its lost ground, and the leadership is again thinking in terms of long-range growth and expansion. The economic crisis and ideological rift with the Soviet Union caused a reorientation of China's foreign trade and a shift from major imports of industrial plants and machinery to major imports of food grains. The present status of China's economy and the responsibility of the United States with respect to the world economy dictates the use of only those repressive economic measures aimed at political and economic isolation of Communist China. A direct, overt assault on the Chinese economy would have devastating and far-reaching effects on the economy of the entire world. The United States must implement foreign trade policies aimed at the political and economic stabilization of the world in general and the emerging, underdeveloped countries in particular. These policies must be positive, aimed at promoting greater mutual economic cooperation among Western States, and must strive for the betterment of world-wide living standards. These objectives also would provide the secondary benefit of increased isolation of China.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 08, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA498206
Entities
People
- Harlan C. Stine
Organizations
- United States Army War College