The article “The Future of U.S.-Chinese Relations: Conflict Is a Choice, not a Necessity” by famous politician Henry Kissinger highlights the main tendencies in the relations between the two states. The author explains that despite significant cooperation increase between China and the United States the controversies among the two countries also became increased.
The article begins with relating the events of the negotiation between the high officials of the United States and China held in 2011, and the results they led to. In particular, the author expresses his worries concerning the armament drive initiated by China and the creation of a Sinocentric Asian bloc which can be evaluated as a serious threat to the positions of United States not only in the Asian region, but also in the whole world. Of course, China conceals such dangerous strategies stating the opposite ideas of its main objectives being in economic development and the improvement of social situation in the country; however, facts show the opposite that the country is concentrated on the increase its military power. Next, Kissinger meditates on possible strategies which might be implemented by the United States in order to prevent the military conflict with China, and guarantee peace in the world. In particular, he argues that the establishment of democratic values in every land including China is a sure way to peace and harmony in the human society. He also explains the importance of creation of multiparty system in China for changing the aggressive moods in the country, and establishing the ideas of peace in the world as a primary purpose for every state.
Highlighting the main points of the article, it should be stated that they are in the prognosis of possible relations between China and the United States, and the positive results which might be achieved in case the two counties will be able to find compromise in their relations. Kissinger explains that no other compromise is possible, but the one resting on the ideas of democracy. In addition, the author provides numerous reasons why China and The United States must find a way to compromise including the experience of the two World Wars and the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Another strong reason which states separately, and appears to be the most outstanding is in the economic expansion of both China and the United States. In case the war begins between them, this will be a sure way to the world economic collapse which is not possible to overcome. Therefore, the war is to be avoided by all means, and the best possible diplomatic relations between the two countries are to be developed.
Overall, the article “The Future of U.S.-Chinese Relations: Conflict Is a Choice, not a Necessity” by Henry Kissinger raises the issues which are rife in connection to the relations between China and the United States, and their consequences for the peace in the world. Kissinger provides numerous evidences that despite the statements of mutual friendship and cooperation, China strives to develop as huge military potential as it is possible in order to become the world power. The author also makes the prognosis concerning such military strategy by China. He explains that the United States will not yield to China’s efforts which will create a very dangerous tension in the world. Thus, a better idea for the future relations between the two countries is in partnership and cooperation guaranteed by the ideas of democratic values. China is to join democratic movement in the world developing a multiparty system in it; otherwise, the world is in danger.
Works Cited
Kissinger, Henry A. “The Future of U.S.-Chinese Relations: Conflict Is a Choice, Not a Necessity.” Foreign Affairs, vol. 91, no. 2, Council on Foreign Relations, 2012, pp. 44–55.