Publisher's Synopsis
This book considers Chinese foreign policy and Chinas future role in world affairs in the context of the countrys recent past. The author argues that U.S. policy intrudes on so many issues sensitive to Beijing and Chinas future policy that it is perhaps the most critical variable in determining Chinas future direction. Yet, as he notes, the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy in the postCold War environment continues to work against the creation of an effective U.S. policy toward China. }This book considers Chinese foreign policy and Chinas future role in world affairs in the context of the countrys recent past. Robert Sutter shows that although it appears to be in U.S. interests for post-Mao leaders to continue moving toward international norms, a post-Deng leadership backed by growing economic and military power and reflecting profound changes in Chinas economy and society could move in markedly different directions. Most foreign powers appear willing to accommodate China, avoiding actions that could prompt a sharp shift in Chinese foreign policy, but Sutter argues that current U.S. policy intrudes on so many issues that are particularly sensitive for Beijing and for Chinas f;Concluding that there is no guarantee the United States will use this influence wisely, Sutter examines the uncertainty and unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy in the postCold War environment that work against the creation of an effective U.S. policy toward China. }
