Chinese Perceptions of the U.S.

"China threat" has been one of hotly debated topics since the early 1990s, and this book is an effort to test the China threat thesis. The author argues that a test of the China threat thesis requires addressing two fundamental questions: whether China has the capabilities to challenge the international system and whether China has the motivations to do so. This book will offer a systematic study of China's foreign policy motivations by resorting to an image approach. The conclusion as to whether China is a status quo or a revisionist country will be reached by exploring how consideration of national interests and how China's perceptions of key characters of the U.S. affect China's foreign policy orientation. A summary of the dominant Chinese images of the U.S. will also contribute to understanding China's motivations vis-a-vis the U.S.

This informative, insightful volume by Zhang (Xiamen Univ., China) seeks to probe US-China relations by reviewing Chinese perceptions of the US. The book contains eight chapters, in addition to a foreword by Richard K. Herrmann. Chapter 1 addresses the question of whether China is a status quo or a revisionist country. Chapter 2 discusses the image approach as a useful way of exploring a country's foreign policy motivation. Chapters 3 and 4 deal with China's perceptions of threats and opportunities arising from the US. Chapter 5 explores the Chinese perceptions of US power in various areas. Chapter 6 explains how a study of Chinese perceptions of the US economy is important for understanding China's foreign policy orientation toward the US. Chapter 7 examines Chinese perceptions of US politics. The concluding chapter addresses the question of the extent to which China is a threat to the US. The author believes that there is "a great opportunity for mutual benefits if [China and the US] can manage to cooperate with rather than confront each other. It is rational to define the bilateral relationship as one of partnership." Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers through research faculty., [T]his book should be regarded as one of the insightful volumes on 'China threat' and China’s perceptions of the United States. Therefore, it deserves to be read by scholars, policy makers, analysts, students and concerned readers who are interested in the 'China threat' and China-U.S. relations., Western opinion is divided on whether a stronger China will be a ‘status quo’ power or a ‘revisionist’ state and a future hegemon. Structural realists stress the difficulties that attend power transitions whereas liberals point to evidence of the civilizing role of globalized commerce. In this important book, Professor Zhang provides much-needed insights into Chinese images of the United States and elite motivations. He does not underestimate the challenges that lie ahead, but his lucid and careful study shows that perceptions of shared opportunities may well restrain the competitive pursuit of narrow advantages. This book is essential reading for analysts of the crucial bilateral relationship of the modern era. It will be especially valuable to all those who are interested in how the closer interweaving of more open economies will influence not only the coming phase of US-China relations but the future of international society., Since the end of the Cold-War, many Americans scholars have been trying to describe the ordinary Chinese feeling about the US. The diversities of Chinese views and the complexity of Chinese culture disabled all efforts to draw a comprehensive picture of this issue. Prof. Zhang Biwu achieved a progress in analyzing Chinese scholars’ views of the United State in this book. His analysis will help readers to deepen their understanding about how the Chinese scholars of international relations view the US as a solo superpower and its relations with China., Biwu Zhang brings international relations theory and systematic data to the study of US-China relations in a way rarely seen. His cognitive approach to Chinese perceptions of America casts new light on whether China is a revisionist or status quo power, and his nuanced findings are of great relevance to policy makers and others inclined to exaggerate the 'China Threat.' Images of the United States as a partner, model, imperialist or declining power are all present in a fascinating brew that tells us much about the likely consequences of China's rise.

Biwu Zhang is deputy director of the Asia-Pacific Institute at the School of International Relations, Xiamen University, China.