Economic Relations Between China and the U.S.: Is Conflict Avoidable - Research Paper Example

? The United s’ Response to the Growing Chinese Economy: Is Conflict Inevitable? Due Introduction We live in such a diverse world, filled with different cultures, varying religions, and a plethora of philosophies, all of which aim to promote successful, productive, and well-rounded societies of healthy people. It is no wonder that very often certain peoples just cannot seem to find the “common grounds.” When ideologies, perspectives, laws, and policies are completely antithetical of one another it can be difficult to balance how to stand by ones beliefs when those whom with you are doing business have, sometimes, contrary practices, attitudes, and principles. This is very much the issue that has and continues to brew between the United States and China. China is becoming a force to be reckoned with. America must determine what sort of relationship they will have with China. Will it be amiable and professional because of shared business interests? Will the rise of the Chinese government as a serious world power, be one that could threaten the United States? If that happens, how shall the United States respond? Most importantly, are the differences and potential threat too great that an actual legitimate conflict may be inevitable? No, it is not inevitable. If, both, countries work to see the value of mutual cooperation, equally choose diplomacy over warfare, and consider the potential, negative outcomes that a war will bring, then there is absolutely hope for an amiable relationship that need not end in conflict. Background The relationship between the United States and China began in the 1700s. Initially this interest was purely economic; they were seeking alternative imports because at this time England refused to have any dealings with the Americans. Experts comment that the relationship between the United States and China today is similar to the nature of the relationships between powerful countries of the past. The two countries trade with each other, but they do not necessarily trust one another. They are neither a friend nor are they an enemy. The history of these two countries is long and complex (Cheng 2012 ). In 2010 China was confirmed to have a GDP second only to the United States (Econ Post 2011). There have been consistent amounts of grievances from the American perspective with China that regularly receives notice, from human rights issues to military spending and, potential, cyber attack. The latter, which has “…rapidly emerged as a top concern of the United States” (Lawrence 2013, 18). The issues that are rather pressing for the United States include China’s overall intention of their economic growth and power, what the United States should do concerning these changes, and, lastly, how the world may respond if the United States and China were to become outright enemies and may in fact commit to conflict. Issues What are China’s overall intentions of their new economic power? The growth witnessed so far has been accompanied by a stronger military force and advanced technologies (Legro 2007, 515). The military is being built up and prepared. Much of this was done covertly, which brings concerns of why there was such a need for secrecy. This only adds to growing distrust. The advancements in Chinese technologies have left many technical and computer experts seeing the potential of future cyber attacks from China (Wan 2013). Are their intentions ultimately negative or positive for America? Should we perceive these positive changes for China as an imminent threat to the United States? How should the United States handle these worries and concerns? The current relationship between the United States and China had for some time been interconnected. The U.S has played a huge role in the growth of the Chinese economy over the years, just as China has contributed to U.S. economy. When the relationship was entirely symbiotic, it was practical and beneficial to both countries, east and west, however, today, China is not as economically dependent upon the U.S as they once were. This makes a tentative relationship even more unsteady. If the U.S. responds with too much distrust, it will taint the relationship and only push China further from jointly beneficial endeavors. At the same time, America would be remiss if they did not take the potential threat seriously. This is what makes deciding the American course of action difficult. While they perceive China for its economic and business potential, it is only wise to, also, acknowledge and consider what might happen if they ceased to be, our tentative, comrade (Lawrence 2013, 2). If the United States and China become enemies determined to go to war over their diverging interests it would be an upheaval felt all over the world. The majority of the world foreign powers are fearful, distrustful, and reticent towards China’s rising power. They have already encouraged the United States to take stronger actions and implement greater presence in Asia (World Economic Forum 2012). That could lead to a break down between the U.S. and China that could set a precedent that could lead to another Cold War. The conditions are already similar, explain experts (Lawrence 2013, 2). This could then lead to a World War as different countries are forced to choose sides. Research and Analysis China’s unchecked growth over the last decade has caused concerns over whether or not their emergence as a world superpower will lead to heightened tension, or worse, all-out war. Their status as either an economic ally or enemy to the United States is critical to how the US conducts its business with China. This forced America to take a long look at the change and growth occurring in China and determine whether or not these changes pose an intended or potential threat to the United States (Bremmer 2010, 1). As mentioned before, there are a huge number of differences that separate America and China when it comes to traditions, ideology, ethics and morality. It is necessary for both countries to take the time to acknowledge the immensity of differences and devise means to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications of intentions so that common ground, compromise and the total avoidance of future conflict can be achieved. Complicating Issues A paramount complicating consideration includes the repercussions should China take aggressive action against either Taiwan or Japan. If this happens America is beholden to speak out and defend both of these countries. To interfere, intercede, or impede the Chinese initiatives could change the relationship of America and China, very likely, harshly and with unforeseeable side-effects well into the future They may feel that ”…it has been provoked beyond political endurance” (Freeman 2000). They will respond to that offense, perhaps seeing it as a betrayal of their trust. Some of the greatest barriers to determining both China’s intentions and how best for America to respond is to their actions is the fact that American and Chinese people view the world very differently. They do not think quite the same and do not approach problems the same way that it might be done in the United States. Eastern philosophies are more holistic and take in the greater picture as a whole entity, while Americans tackle problems individually; holistic versus analytical. It may be completely impossible to logically predict China’s intentions or likely actions based on the American perspective on how they might think and react in the same given situation (Berkland 2011, 71-72). Philosophically speaking, the U.S. and China are like cats and dogs; they will never approach the same goals the same way, that may never see completely eye-to-eye, but they can learn to live together peacefully within a shared environment. It is not just differing philosophical perspectives that differ; their political ideologies are different as well. Some researchers feel that this is what will contribute to an unmovable roadblock in the future which will make friendship and ally-ship with China unlikely. Of the three most adhered to contemporary international relations theories, liberalism, realism, and constructivism, all approach the topic, of course analyzing the situation from the perspective of their embraced theories. They tend to ignore elements and facts as they see fit to corroborate their view. The liberalist, generally optimistic, do not see a threat, having a belief that human beings are moral beings and will opt to do what will lead to a peaceful future. However, the opposition, the realists, generally rather pessimistic, see only the inevitable negative intentions and outcomes; they see human beings as dangerously predictable and that the struggle for overall power is inevitable (Friedberg 2005, 16). Possible Solutions The first option available to the U.S. is to totally overlook the ethical and political difference with China and embrace them wholly as an ally. In fact, if China and America could overcome their differences then they could become a strong, positive unified force that could lead to greater benefits for both countries (Bremmer 2010, 1). The opposing option, forgoing attempts at peace and diplomacy, would be to go to war with China. The outcomes of which would likely change the world for all time, not necessarily in good ways. If sentiments from both countries become antagonistic of one another there will be a breakdown in relations. There would be less international students from China, America could resort to xenophobic tendencies, which resulted with internment of the Japanese in America decades ago; it is not impossible that such things would be proposed again. The final option available as a course of action is to continue to make the efforts necessary to continue to have peaceful and amiable relations with China; maintain the status quo. By continuing to maintain the relationship and remain willing to compromise may never lead to becoming allies, but also, not becoming enemies (World Economic Forum 2012). Recommendations There is no single recommendation that can be presented that will solve all of the issues and disdainful attitudes that have contributed to greater issue with China. I t is truly a process that will require the participation of each country and their representative leaders as a whole. Although there are complicating factors of understanding the Chinese mindset, popular opinion from ruling parties preventing an agreement and arguments amongst the theoretical frameworks. The problem of conflict between the United States and China should be solved by maintaining economic interdependence between the countries. It may be true that the U.S. and China will never become true allies, but they do not have to be enemies (World Economic Forum, 2012). Becoming sworn enemies seems to be a completely unnecessary solution to something that is not quite broken, at least not yet. However, it would be advisable for Americans to come to understand the philosophies and practices of China so that misunderstandings can be avoided and vice versa. “More Chinese transparency can enhance that trust on the margins” (Mazza 2013). Making their overall intentions more clear would be beneficial in helping America to become less distrusting of this country that is so different. Summary Ultimately, it is not advantageous for the United States or China to endorse a war with one another. Realistically speaking, as long as our economic interest continues to mirror and parallel one another and remain mutually beneficial then war will most likely never become truly imminent or unavoidable. This does not mean that the two countries will always see eye-to-eye or that the ethical and political issues that cause concerns will dissipate. However, in this modern, globalized, society that most of us are a part of there is a greater need for respect of differences and a tolerance of what we cannot necessarily ever agree with. “Don’t allow the great to be the enemy of the good,” (World Economic Forum 2012). In other words, just because China grows stronger and is becoming greater power in the world does not necessarily mean that that will result directly in negative consequences for the United States or the rest of the world. Being greater does not equate with a negative event. At the same time vigilance cannot be criticized. That said, again, China’s growth could, eventually, be a great positive contribution in the future, but their secrecy and America’s inability to discern their true intentions has made many skeptical. It is a conundrum, but not one that necessarily must result in war. It is most likely that little will change and the status quo will remain between these two forces. Conclusion In this world of diversity, it can be so easy to make snap judgments, assumptions, and ignorant generalizations about others who do not share your belief system, philosophies, politics, common practices, and cultural norms. However, as a species, regardless of culture, it should be possible for us to resolve conflict, find productive and beneficial solutions, and create a worthwhile future for the generations that follow us, without warfare, unless it is truly the last and final resort. Currently the United States and China are bound by their mutual economic interest and symbiotic need, which means that the security of money may be a greater preventer of war than anything else. The loss would be greater than what would be gained by outright warfare. The United States and China may be very different in many ways, but if both sides seek to find non-violent, non-aggressive, and productive solutions then it is possible for these two global powers to survive disagreements, discord, and lead their countries into a future of peace; free of the threat of potential warfare. 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