Sino-Us Relations

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background Information:

Sino-US relations came into the global picture in 1946, when the civil war in China broke out. The Kuomintang was supported by the US, while the Communists in China had the support from the Soviet Union. China and US regarded each other as enemies from 1949 to 1971, whereby both nations is in the face of Cold War, mainly due to ideological differences. The split of the Chinese and the Soviet brands of Marxist-Leninism formed a triangular conflict. The relations improved as US collaborated with China to defeat Soviet Union.

Relations between China and the US took a dramatic step forward at the beginning of 1979 with the establishment of formal recognition between the two nations and the implementation of China's "open policy". However, relations were at its lowest after the Tiananmen incident. American public saw the crackdown as a brutal suppression of freedom and democracy. More recently, the rapid economic growth of China has open up business opportunities to US, conversely challenged the orthodox view of western superiority. Still, the Sino-US relation has been viewed by many historians as the cornerstone which determines global stability.

Rationale:

This paper aims to provide a framework for discussion of the current development of Sino-US relations. Pertaining to the analysis of the impact of foreign policies, it is lacking in the existing literature, whereby it was scantly mentioned by a only few historians such as Dumbaugh (1997). The recent rise of China's economy and military buildup has made it crucial for us to understand the significance of relations between the existing power (US) and the potential power (China). Hence, this paper aims to provide a wider scope of discussion which includes analyzing the impacts of both countries' foreign policy on Sino-US relations. As one of the pioneer researcher to analyze the current situation, it is hoped that this paper will contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Significance:

While factors affecting Sino-US relations have been extensively discussed, however, the existing literature lacks the analysis pertaining to foreign policy making. The foreign policies of both countries are neglected by most historians such as Sutter (1996) and Morrison (2005). This paper provides an extended discussion which includes the impacts of both countries' foreign policy on Sino-US relations.

Research Questions:

1. What are the factors leading to the strained Sino-US relations in the 21st century?

2. To what extent are the two nations partners, opponents, or a combination of both?

Thesis:

"The current status of Sino-US relations is economically partners but politically opponents."

Research Methodology:

A broad survey on different literature will be conducted to discover major perspectives regarding the topic. This will be followed by discussion of relevant topics such as the analysis of the various factors affecting Sino-US relations. Finally, a conclusion will be made to summarize the paper and determine whether the thesis is true or the otherwise.

Usefulness:

The outcome of Sino-US relations affects global stability, given the fact that both nations are vastly linked to the world both economically and politically. In the Singapore context, the well-being of Sino-US relations has a stake in the progress of this country. Understanding this topic allows readers to have an advantage in ones market investment.

Limitations:

This research paper focuses on the interplay of economic and political factors affecting Sino-US relations and defines their current terms as partners or opponents, and offer some theories and predictions on the progress of Sino-US relations. This limited scope may not provide a holistic picture of the relation as it lacks the social component. Nevertheless, cultures, religions and believes as part of social factors has major impacts to Sino-US relations; it is still worth researching in order to discover the social viewpoint.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

Broad Survey:

Right up to 1979, during the Mao's era, traditional historians such as Hissinger and Nunn view China and US to be enemies in every aspect, given the fact that the Cold War period was an ideological warfare. However, this view has been challenged by Zhu(1982) and many after the establishment of diplomatic ties between US and China in 1979. The early 1980s saw more emphasis being placed on the prospects and possibilities for Sino-US relations. Conversely, former US assistant secretary of state for economic affairs sees this perspective otherwise. In his words, "China was a card to play against the Soviets". The debate became more controversial as Sino-US relations emerged in the 1990s, whereby the discussion evolves around interdependency, distinct government systems and the manipulation of security issues. Today, terrorism has opened the path for another angle of discussion, added up by the on-going issue of Taiwan and Tibet.

Sino-US relations: The economic study

The role of a powerful economy, as described by Sutter (1995), is "able to make most foreign powers unwilling to confront a country on most issues", and that the country has a "freer hand to pursue their objectives." This definition was added on by Raman (2001), who views without economic strength, military strength, by itself, is only a limited utility.

China: Challenging US's economic dominance

Sutter(1995) stresses that the pursuit for economic dominance, in particularly caused by the rise of China, changed the outlook of Sino-US relations. He sees the relations as a rather pessimistic perspective, regarding the rise of China's economy as the stepping stone for this deterioration. He believes that Beijing will "mobilize this economic power against American interest and attempt to isolate the US from its allies or prompt Washington to soft pedal differences with China out of concerns for the American economy". Morrison(1996) supports this assertion by citing issues such as the US trade deficit with China, as well as China's violation of US intellectual property rights. Most historians from this school