China International Policy

The most significant threat to the National interests of the United States are traditional state-based, as no other threat has potential to derail our way of life. With state-based threats being the greatest threat to National security, policymakers must first approach international relations from a realist perspective. China 's moves to potentially reject international law demonstrate that power rules in an anarchic world. Despite this rejection of international law, China has created a security dilemma for themselves, creating and opportunity for U.S. retrenchment. The shortfall of realism is that it fails to consider other national interest beyond power. China has served as a world leader on ecological, nuclear, and economic issues, which are addressed by the liberal perspective. The Carter Doctrine shows that it is important never to lose sight of the importance of realist doctrine, as threats to national interests assume primacy over liberal pursuits. The most significant security issue facing the United States today is the threat from China, as its military is capable, growing, and determined. China recently demonstrated its capabilities through its claims of asserting its sovereignty. China sent patrol ships into the East China Sea and later established an “Air Defense Identification Zone” over the East China Sea in response to Japan 's purchase of the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands. China then claimed sovereignty over the majority of the South China Sea through the 9 dash line claim, and began the construction of artificial islands capable of projecting naval ships and aircraft within the South China Sea. These aggressive moves have gone largely uncontested and China 's capabilities are unmatched in the region, with the only challenge coming from the international courts. Sears states, "China was responsible for 63.4 percent of the increases in regional defense spending in 2014, with double-digit increases in spending." Coupled with China 's increased spending is a focus on modernization. China is developing “anti-access/area denial” capabilities (A2/AD)... fighter aircraft...“carrier killer” ballistic missiles... (and) a second aircraft carrier." China 's current capabilities coupled with the path of growth places them on a path to challenge U. S. primacy in in region. White states that "U. S. Foreign Policy establishment...(assume)...that all the world’s most powerful states are united in support of a rules-based order led by the United States". This assumption may cause policymakers to incorrectly assess China 's resolve, as demonstrated by their capabilities, investment, and modernization of their military. China has a high level of capability and is growing that capability, but a misinterpretation of resolve by either the U. S. or China carries risk. China 's claims in the South China Sea, as outlined by the 9 dash line, rejecting the rule of international law, forces U. S. policy makers to understand realism when developing the international relations strategies. Dr. Bolan describes the international environment of realism as, "characterized as one of relative ‘anarchy’ and which therefore incentivizes ‘self-help’." China 's actions are also in keeping with Hobbes ' "third law of nature, justice". Hobbes describes justice as beginning and ending with …show more content…
According to Bolan, "globalization has created a modern-day reality of economic interdependence that discourages military conflict." Keohane and Nye discuss complex interdependence, stating "multiple channels connect societies" to include formal and informal, governmental and business elites, their subordinate organizations, across "interstate, transgovernmental, and transnational relations" channels. China is connected to the global economy and other issues seeking " a larger role in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, greater voice in such forums as the G-20, ", and active participation in the Nuclear Security Summit. China is functioning as more than just a state with security interests in the global …show more content…
When dealing with "industrialized, pluralist countries, the perceived margin of safety has widened" and "force is irrelevant or unimportant as an instrument of policy." The U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was able to make climate change efforts after years of inaction after Presidents Obama and Xi made agreements to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The efforts made by the two Presidents were not based on realism, but rooted in complex interdependence. The realist approach would not provide a solution to ecological issues, as they are beyond the scope of the strength of the state, and may actually serve to weaken the state to make such