Clearly communicating the objectives and desired endgame in the US-China relationship is crucial to rally international allies and create a clear vision for the future of US-China relations.
Japan's approach in its China policy focuses on minimizing security risks while maximizing economic benefits, striking a balance that safeguards national security while capitalizing on economic opportunities.
Deep dives
The Importance of Articulating Policy Intentions
It is crucial to clearly communicate the intentions behind US foreign policies to garner support from other countries. While there is a consensus that US foreign policy has entered a new era, defining and navigating this era remains unclear. Richard Fontaine emphasizes the need to specify the objectives and desired endgame in the US-China relationship. Specifically, he suggests the aim should be to prevent China from overturning the global order that upholds democracy, sovereignty, and open economies. Fontaine argues that articulating these objectives is necessary to rally international allies and create a clear vision for the future of US-China relations.
Balancing Objectives in US-China Policy
According to Richard Fontaine, the aim of US policy towards China should revolve around ensuring that Beijing is either unwilling or unable to disrupt the regional and global order. This goal aligns with the vision of a world that upholds democracy, protects sovereignty, and promotes open economies. While Fontaine acknowledges that there may be activities by China that the US dislikes, he suggests that these activities should not become central priorities unless they threaten the global order. He highlights the importance of making distinctions to focus on preserving the principles of the global order while minimizing unnecessary opposition to China's decisions.
Japan's Approach to China: Minimizing Risks, Maximizing Benefits
Richard Fontaine notes that Japan's objective in its China policy is to minimize the security risk posed by China while maximizing the economic benefits it can offer. The Japanese perspective revolves around sustaining economic prosperity by carefully managing the economic relationship with China. Fontaine clarifies that Japan's approach does not aim to reduce China's overall power but rather to strike a balance that safeguards national security while capitalizing on economic opportunities. This nuanced approach allows Japan to pursue economic engagement with China without compromising its security interests.
Navigating US-China Relations Amidst Economic and Technological Challenges
Fontaine highlights how US actions, such as controls on the export of technology to China, could unintentionally have a downward impact on Chinese economic growth. He acknowledges that the intent of these actions is not necessarily aimed at weakening China but rather ensuring a level playing field and addressing security concerns. However, Fontaine recognizes that the cumulative effect of these measures, combined with potential future controls, could put pressure on China's economic performance. While emphasizing the need to be sensitive to Chinese reactions, Fontaine encourages clarity in articulating the intent behind such policies to secure international support for US objectives.
There’s a near consensus today that U.S. foreign policy has entered a new era. But how to define and navigate this new era is much less clear.
Richard Fontaine, the CEO of the Center for a New American Security, has held senior positions across the U.S. government—in the Senate, at the State Department and National Security Council, and as an adviser to John McCain, the Republican senator and presidential candidate. There are few people who can offer as informed and comprehensive a view of U.S. foreign policy, especially at a moment when the United States is rethinking its own strategic objectives and sometimes struggling to find new ways of pursuing them.
We discuss the objectives behind the United States’ China policy, democratic backsliding in India, and a potential Republican foreign policy platform.
If you have feedback, email us at podcast@foreignaffairs.com.
The Foreign Affairs Interview is produced by Kate Brannen, Julia Fleming-Dresser, and Molly McAnany; original music by Robin Hilton. Special thanks to Grace Finlayson, Nora Revenaugh, Caitlin Joseph, Asher Ross, Gabrielle Sierra, and Markus Zakaria.
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