Lawfare Archive: An NSI Conversation on U.S.-China Policy
Sep 23, 2023
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Former Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffers Lester Munson, Jodi Herman, Jamil Jaffer, and Dana Stroul discuss U.S.-China relations, Huawei, cyber and tech security, the South China sea, and Uighur internment.
The U.S. response to China's Belt and Road Initiative is still evolving as Congress and the administration grapple with the challenges posed by China's growing influence.
The ongoing human rights crisis in China's Xinjiang province needs greater attention and action from the U.S. to uphold human rights and address China's treatment of minority groups.
China's role in addressing the North Korean nuclear issue is crucial, and the future of North Korea's nuclear program and the U.S.-China relationship heavily depend on China's stance and willingness to cooperate.
Deep dives
Growing concerns over China's Belt and Road Initiative
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is raising concerns globally as it expands its reach into various regions, including Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The initiative, which aims to finance infrastructure projects and promote economic development, has been criticized for its potential debt-trap diplomacy and lack of transparency. Congress has passed the Build Act to provide an alternative development assistance to counter BRI. The U.S. response to BRI is still evolving, with both Congress and the administration grappling with the challenges posed by China's growing influence.
The human rights crisis in Xinjiang province
The ongoing human rights crisis in China's Xinjiang province, where over a million Uighur Muslims have been detained in re-education camps, is a major concern. China's oppressive measures and surveillance within the province have garnered international attention. Despite its magnitude, the U.S. response has been relatively muted, raising questions about potential economic and political motivations behind the silence. The issue is crucial for upholding human rights and addressing China's treatment of minority groups.
North Korea's nuclear program and China's role
China's role in addressing the North Korean nuclear issue is crucial for regional stability. With China being North Korea's most significant ally, it has the potential to exert considerable influence over the regime. The U.S. has sought China's assistance in negotiations, but China's interests in the region, including its strategic concerns and desire for stability, complicate the dynamics. The future of North Korea's nuclear program and the U.S.-China relationship will heavily depend on China's stance and its willingness to cooperate.
Tensions in the South China Sea
Tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate as China builds and fortifies islands and claims territorial sovereignty. The U.S. has conducted freedom of navigation operations to challenge China's claims and protect regional stability. However, concerns remain about the U.S. commitment to upholding these operations and the potential for military confrontation. The situation adds to the complexities of the U.S.-China relationship and highlights the importance of maintaining open and peaceful navigation routes in the region.
The potential for military confrontation between the U.S. and China
The potential for military confrontation between the U.S. and China is a growing concern. While the U.S. seeks to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region, China's expanding military capabilities and claims over disputed territories pose a significant challenge. A military conflict could have severe consequences for global security and stability. However, the future is uncertain, and efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote diplomatic solutions will be crucial in preventing any military confrontation.
From May 25, 2019: Our friends from the National Security Institute at George Mason University stopped by earlier this week to discuss U.S.-China relations. Lester Munson, Jodi Herman, Jamil Jaffer, and Dana Stroul, former Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffers who collaborated and sometimes competed with one another on the Committee, had a lively discussion about Huawei, cyber and tech security, the South China sea, and Uighur internment.
