A Late Honeymoon: China's Response to U.S. Security Policies
Abstract
The currently favorable state of U.S.-China relations should not obscure China's basically negative view of some important Bush administration policies. In general, China considers the Bush government prone to unilateralism and determined to further increase America s military superiority over the rest of the world. Beijing is deeply disturbed by both of these perceived tendencies. Despite its unhappiness with many U.S. policies, China places a high priority on stable relations with the United States and is reluctant to directly challenge America except on issues of vital Chinese interest. Although the war against terrorism has in some respects strengthened America s strategic position at China's expense, Chinese support for the antiterror campaign has helped accelerate the recovery of U.S.-China relations after the EP-3 collision in April 2001. Among the downsides of the war against terrorism for China are the Bush administration's pronouncements on preemptive action and nuclear strategy, which the Chinese believe are dangerously aggressive. China opposes both national missile defense and theater missile defense. Beijing argues these are destabilizing and warns that China may respond by deploying a larger number of ballistic missiles. China's publication of regulations limiting Chinese export of missile technology was a success for the Bush administration's nonproliferation policy. How strictly China adheres to its commitments, however, remains to be seen. Although cross-Strait relations are presently stable, China remains displeased with the Bush administration s increased support for Taiwan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA592289
Entities
People
- Denny Roy
Organizations
- Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies