Reference no: EM132267094

Discussion Issue: As China increases in diplomatic, military, and economic power, it is assuming an increasingly prominent place on the international stage, and poses the most significant threat to continued U.S. dominance of the international system since the demise of the Soviet Union.

The Obama and Bush administrations took a relatively cautious approach with respect to China's growing power, seeking to incorporate it into the international order particularly from an economic perspective.

Although there has been some generous rhetoric from both sides, the Trump administration has adopted a more combative approach with respect trade disputes with China. Trump "depicts China's growth as illegitimate, caused by unfair currency policy rather than the export of goods at rock-bottom prices."

President Trump's China policy appears to be focused on trade issues, and getting the Chinese government to exert pressure on North Korea to curtail its nuclear program. To date, he has issued few policies that seek curb China's territorial expansion in the South China Sea.

In light of this, what policies should the U.S. adopt with respect to China that minimize the likelihood of conflict, and maximize the potential that China will become a fully participating, productive member of the international order constructed by the U.S.? Is this the appropriate U.S. goal with respect to China's continued growth? If not, what is?