U.S.-China Military Relations: Unstable, But Not Impossible
Abstract
The United States, the current superpower, and China, the rapidly ascending global power, will dominant the economic, political, and security spheres in the 21st century. Therefore, the U.S.-China relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. Since normalization of relations in 1979, the United States and China have made progress in economic and political cooperation and have reached the goal of achieving a positive and sound relationship. However, U.S.-China defense relations have lagged behind and are perhaps the weakest link between the two nations. Since 1989, U.S.-China military relations have been suspended or placed on hold at least six times. Lacking strategic trust, a common threat, and a shared history of security cooperation, the future defense relationship will likely go up and down. This paper analyzes the evolution of the U.S.-China military relationship, and the implications of this relationship for future U.S. defense policy. Ultimately, the United States should consider changing its defense strategy with China to one of more assertive engagement that is focused on nontraditional defense cooperation in response to China's continued reluctance to engage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA560097
Entities
People
- Mark Kjorness
Organizations
- United States Army War College