Chinese Policy Priorities and Their Implications for the United States

How the West responds to China's emergence as a great power will go far toward determining the course of world politics in the years ahead. Yet, as Robert Sutter shows in this timely book, U.S. foreign policy in this vital arena remains remarkably unfocused and uninformed. Preoccupied with domestic imperatives and a persistent and intractable debate over China, the U.S. government, media, and public have all but ignored the interests and motivations of China's leaders. The author argues that the course of U.S.–China relations will be determined by Beijing as well as Washington, and a balanced understanding of Chinese leaders' priorities will lead to more informed and effective U.S. policy. Toward that goal, this pragmatic study examines current Chinese concerns and behavior in areas of crucial importance to the United States. Assessing the many economic, social, and political problems that continue to preoccupy China's leaders, Sutter concludes that Chinese internal difficulties and aspirations are so wide-ranging and protracted that China's leaders will remain focused on promoting economic development and reforms and maintaining social-political stability well into the twenty-first century. This analysis sets the stage for more extensive treatment of China's role in world affairs—areas where Chinese and U.S. interests interact most directly. The author contends that a balanced view of common ground and differences will temper the excessive swings seen in recent U.S. China policy and lay the groundwork for a more realistic relationship as we move into a new century.

Lucid . . . well documented. . . . Sutter's volume is valuable in that it provides a succinct update of developments in China's foreign relations, and U.S.-China relations. . . . It deserves to be added to the reading list of students who are interested in understanding U.S.-China relations from a pragmatic point of view., Sutter's volume is valuable in that it provides a succint update of developments in China's foreign relations, and U.S.-China relations, particularly in the 1993-1998 period. It deserves to be added to the reading list of students who are interested in understanding U.S.-China relations from a pragmatic point of view., This is a timely book for US decision makers as well as for those interested in China in transition., Sutter's book is valuable and timely. It clarifies many misperceptions in the American policy community of China's rising power and its policy priorities. It also provides a comprehensive examination of recent developments of China's policy in various areas, from economic reform to arms control policy. It serves as a good reference work in China's foreign policy in recent years., An excellent report on Chinese foreign policy as of early 1999, with sufficient background to put many current issues into perspective. The background material remains valuable, especially as it is presented in such a clear and balanced fashion.

Robert G. Sutter was an analyst of Asian and Pacific affairs and American foreign policy for the U.S. government for thirty years. He is now professor of practice in international affairs at the Elliott School of George Washington University.