U.S.-China Relations: An Overview of Policy Issues

Abstract : The United States relationship with China touches on an exceptionally broad range of issues, from security, trade, and broader economic issues, to the environment and human rights. Congress faces important questions about what sort of relationship the United States should have with China and how the United States should respond to China s rise. After more than 30 years of fast-paced economic growth, China s economy is now the second-largest in the world after that of the United States. With economic success, China has developed significant global strategic clout. It is also engaged in an ambitious military modernization drive, including development of extended-range power projection capabilities. At home, it continues to suppress all perceived challenges to the Communist Party s monopoly on power. In previous eras, the rise of new powers has often produced conflict. China s new leader Xi Jinping has pressed hard for a U.S. commitment to a new model of major country relationship with the United States that seeks to avoid such an outcome. The Obama Administration has repeatedly assured Beijing that the United States welcomes a strong, prosperous and successful China that plays a greater role in world affairs, and that the United States does not seek to prevent China s re-emergence as a great power. China, for its part, has pledged to follow the path of peaceful development. Washington has wrestled, however, with how to engage China on issues affecting stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region. Issues of concern for Washington include the intentions behind China s military modernization program, China s use of its paramilitary forces and military in disputes with its neighbors over territorial claims in the South China Sea and East China Sea, and its continuing threat to use force to bring Taiwan under its control.