Foreign relations and Foreign Policy regarding China are very critical and very
tumultuous. Information that China has stolen confidential information regarding
nuclear weapons has now come to light. This, combined with China's restrictive
policies regarding trade with America and its long history of opportunism in
dealings with the U.S., has brought our past policies, as well as Clinton's
present policy, for dealing with China into question. Can we trust this nation?
We currently have protective relationships with nations surrounding China, and
America's relationship with Japan has changed from adversarial to friendly.
America must also provide Taiwan with adequate military force for their defense.
Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, America has become China's greatest
threat, and, now, they may have technology enough to act against us. China is
progressing and growing-we can benefit from a friendly, progressive relationship
with it. However, such a friendship may eventually backfire and harm America's
self-interest. Does America have a choice as to whether or not it should become
more positively involved with China? For the sake of our other foreign policies
regarding North Korea, Russia, etc, no America has no choice. China has aided us
in the past, and it could be a very valuable friend or a dangerous enemy. Taiwan
is a key factor in our policies involving China. China insists that America
cease to sell weapons and other military supplies to Taiwan, and it also wishes
to claim the island as its own. Taiwan, however, wishes to claim independence as
a democratic nation. This conflict can add to America's self-interest. If we
negotiate a compromise between the two-possibly allowing them to aid one another
economically and militarily, while granting Taiwan autonomy, then America once
again may slide into China's good graces. A friendly relationship with China
means more security for America. Should a crisis occur in China, military action
on the part of the United States should be shunned. China already fears our
military force as a result of our "theater missile defense" involving
Japan and other nations surrounding China. Although Taiwan is not yet part of
this defense system, China has posed threats to the U.S. if Taiwan becomes a
part of it. Negotiations with China should provide resulting reciprocal military
defense in crisis, an economic upper-hand, and political refinement regarding
China's relations with Taiwan. None of these points should be sacrificed in
compromise as each one is crucial to America's world status. An especially
important note is that if China's economy is aided in an imbalanced manner, then
it could overtake America's economic position. Military action in China by the
United States should only be taken if America is threatened by China's military.
If China plans any missile or nuclear attacks, then there may be no path to a
friendly relationship between China and the United States. However, both nations
have futures that are somewhat dependent on each other. As a result, a friendly
relationship should be a top priority. In conclusion, I hope that America can
lay aside cultural differences and focus on military and economic strategies to
use and obtain a friendly relationship with China in order to make America an
increasingly secure nation.