How should the US view China’s developing relations with her neighbors? Should the US modify its foreign policy toward these same nations in light of their changing relations with China? (Unit 3, Lesson 2) China would like replace the US in being the leader of the modern world. By initiating economic, social, and diplomatic relations with her neighbors, China is developing a solid foundation similar to that of the European Union.
Currently the US has provided military assistance to some of China’s neighbors and therefore kept a foot in the Asian continent. This US action dilutes power from China and keeps the US hegemonic.
The US could partner with China in providing arbitration and security to Southeast Asia. This would reduce US military spending and provide relief to a US military that is already overstretched. The issue it raises is whether China is ready to be a mediator in light of its own human rights violations, or if the US is willing to give-up any power.
The US has not always been engaged in purely noble military causes. The “war on terror” has allowed the US to be present in Asia, and it will most likely take advantage of: “the region’s rich oil and gas reserves, as American companies eagerly wish to develop this energy wealth; second, it desires tactical ground to observe nearby political development, especially in South Asia.” (Sean L. Yom, Power Politics in Central Asia, p.6)
So should the US modify its foreign policy toward China’s neighbors? Not at the moment until the US witnesses a true commitment from China in human rights issues. One cannot be a leader and a diplomatic force if one is not good to their own people.
2 comments:
I thought that you made two awesome points! First, I completely agree that a nation that fails to treat its own citizens fairly and with respect can or should hardly be considered a superpower. Secondly, considering how overstretched our military currently is, it would be nice if we could team up with a rational and fair China to arbitrate issues in Southeast Asia.
I don't think China wants to team up with the United States or anybody else. As far as sharing the burden, I don't see where China has much incentive to do that. In fact, as China seeks a seat at the global dinner-table, if they are wise enough to avoid the nonsense of policing the entire world - like the United States, they may avoid much of the international tension that plagues the United States right now.
Sure, China's reputation for human rights issues is troubling. But China doesn't have its nose crammed into the affairs of every other nation on the globe. The United States is spread across the globe and we're spread way too thin.
We GIVE AWAY huge piles of money every year for nonsense. That money could better be spent at home. We GIVE AWAY more than it would take to provide healthcare to every man, woman and child. We could also pay 100% towards education, regardless of how far the student wanted to pursue their studies... and there would still be money left over.
History speaks loud and clear. Education and technology are the buildig blocks of empire. Instead of building America, we're financing our own ruin by giving away the farm.
Why would China want to partner up with stupidity?
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