Hal Brands and Michael Beckley discuss China's rise as a military power, Chinese strategic goals, military buildup, and the shifting relationship between the US and China. They explore China's fear of decline, revisionist foreign policy, and the potential for agreement to avoid conflict.
China's rise as a military power impacts American security and democracy perceptions in Asia.
China's strategic goals reflect a multifaceted approach encompassing domestic concerns and global ambitions.
Deep dives
The Rise of China as a Military Power
China's ascension as a significant military power has shifted American perspectives on security and democracy in Asia over the past 50 years. The authors of the book, Danger Zone, The Coming Conflict with China, present four essential aspects of Chinese intentions, including securing power for the Communist Party, reclaiming lost territories, establishing a regional sphere of influence in Asia, and aspiring to become the world's most powerful nation. The rise of China and its strategic goals reflect a multifaceted approach that encompasses both domestic concerns and global ambitions.
China as a 'Risen Power'
The podcast introduces the concept of China as a 'risen power,' indicating that while China has experienced substantial growth and power enhancement, it now faces potential decline and challenges. The discussion highlights the historical context of China's rise since the 1970s, emphasizing demographic, economic, and geopolitical factors that have propelled its growth. However, the podcast suggests that China's current position of strength is coupled with vulnerabilities and sources of potential decline, such as resource depletion, demographic shifts, and shifting global attitudes towards China.
Chinese Expansion and Influence in the Developing World
China's geopolitical strategies extend beyond its immediate region, focusing on expanding influence in the developing world as a counter containment strategy. The podcast outlines China's efforts to establish an economic and technological sphere of influence in developing countries, leveraging its resources and technology capabilities. By providing competitive pricing and infrastructure investments, China aims to solidify its influence in regions where democratic governance may be less established, presenting both challenges and opportunities for global power dynamics.
Lessons from the Cold War and Strategies for US Policy
Drawing parallels from the Cold War era, the podcast emphasizes the importance of proactive and decisive policy actions to navigate the current geopolitical landscape with China. Highlighting the need for swift responses and strategic alliances, the podcast underscores the significance of lessons learned from past crises, such as the strong bipartisan approach to addressing strategic challenges. By examining historical precedents and advocating for a balanced approach of strength and diplomacy, the podcast suggests a path towards mitigating conflict and fostering strategic stability in US-China relations.
This week, Jeremi and Zachary are joined by Hal Brands and Michael Beckley to discuss China’s rise as a military power, lessons from the Cold War, and the changing relationship between the United States and China. Zachary sets the scene with his poem: “Probably” Hal Brands is the Henry A. Kissinger Distinguished Professor of Global […]
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