ABSTRACT
From the time of the Sino-American rapprochement (hejie 和解) between Mao Zedong and US President Richard Nixon in the early 1970s, the relationship between China and the United States has experienced a number of diplomatic highs and lows. While respecting each other’s importance, each is also concerned about the long-term international intentions of the other, especially as China continues to develop into a great power. China’s rising has led to divisions within American policymaking and academic circles over how Washington should address Chinese power. Those who argue that the relationship can and should remain stable point to the increasing dependence, politically and economically, each side has upon the other. At the same time, there is the argument that China will find common ground in issues with the United States, such as those related to economic cooperation, including the continuing health of global markets, and international security issues such as the threat of global terrorism. Adherents to this thinking note it would be in Beijing’s interests as a growing great power to behave in a more conservative fashion in order to avoid threats to its development. A great power conflict, including one with the United States, would be incredibly risky due in no small part to the presence of nuclear weapons on both sides. Thus, the best option for Washington, it is argued, would be to encourage Chinese participation in global affairs and to seek common ground with Beijing in addressing them.
