ABSTRACT

The United States shares with China’s neighbors a dual concern for the impact of China on its immediate national interests and the growth of PRC power for regional stability and long-term US interests in a favorable East Asian balance of power. But as both a regional power and a global power with unparalleled strategic and economic influence, it has unique responsibilities in shaping the evolution of China’s contribution to the regional and global order. More than any other state, how the United States balances its short-term objectives with a longterm China policy that takes into account China’s expanding strategic and economic power will shape the strategic environment for the countries throughout Asia and beyond.