Number: 96-518
Title: China's Rising Power: Alternative U.S. National Security Strategies-Findings of a Seminar
Authors: Robert G. Sutter and Peter Mitchener, Foreign Affairs and National Defense Division 
Abstract: Participants at a CRS seminar on May 13, 1996 judged that an effective U.S. strategy toward China needs to be seen in the context of a broader U.S. strategy in Asia-one seen to include a strong U.S. military, economic, and political presence, and requiring some degree of cooperation from important U.S. allies and friends in the region. Recommendations for U.S. policy focus on establishing a clear set of priorities that take account of U.S. interests along with Chinese concerns and those of U.S. allies, associates, and other interest third parties, especially in Asia. To formulate these policy priorities, and to help to ensure that they are met, requires careful and consistent high-level U.S. policy attention, including regular U.S.-PRC summit meetings. The fact that such meetings give considerable prestige to PRC leaders seen as illegitimate by many Americans poses perhaps an immediate dilemma for sustained U.S. efforts to deal with the rise of China.
Pages: 16
Date: Updated June 6, 1996