ABSTRACT
Since 1989 the Sino-American relationship has been wracked by contention over issues involving trade, human rights, arms transfers, and Taiwan. In 1992 Chinese President Jiang Zemin, offering his prescription for Sino-American relations, said that the two countries should "increase trust, reduce troubles, strengthen cooperation, and avoid confrontation. Despite American awareness of China's growing economic, military, and political clout, a considerable gap exists between China and the United States in the weight each country attaches to Sino-American relations. The present state of Sino-American relations is the product of fundamental changes in the international environment as well as specific aspects of the domestic politics of both countries. The victory of Democrat Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential election raised questions about the future of Sino-American relations similar to those that Ronald Reagan's victory had posed in 1980. Like Reagan, the new president had sharply criticized his predecessor's China policy during the campaign and had promised new policy directions.
