The changing dynamics between the United States and China is reshaping the international system. Historical, cultural, and political differences as well as misunderstandings of each other’s strategic intentions risk potentially catastrophic escalation across military, economic, and political realms. The way China interacts with the international community will help to define the 21st century’s political, economic, military, and governance norms worldwide.
Stimson’s China program works to assess China’s strategic intentions and foreign policy behaviors to reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings, misperceptions, and miscalculations. The program seeks to understandings of strategic considerations — not only of China and the United States, but also other states in and outside the region. Recognizing that dialogue is important for developing better understanding among regional actors, the program works to expand interaction between the Chinese foreign policy community and their counterparts in other countries.
While the Trump administration pursued “everything” on North Korea and the Obama administration “nothing,” it appears the Biden administration is open to exploring “something in the middle,” guided by lessons from the past.
February 28, 2022
A careful examination of the events suggests that China was, in fact, played.
February 28, 2022
South Korea remains caught in the middle of an intensifying strategic competition between the United States and China.
February 28, 2022
By prioritizing an "alliance-first" strategy over denuclearization, the Biden administration's policy toward North Korea seems doomed to fail.
February 28, 2022
As threat perceptions toward China grow, South Korea faces the challenge of maintaining a strategic equilibrium between Beijing and Washington, a role that keenly interests China.
February 24, 2022
South Korea’s potential role in a Taiwan contingency is of great importance to Chinese policy planning. Therefore, understanding and preparing for China's strategic reactions is critical for all parties.
February 23, 2022
South Korea’s recent joint statement with the U.S. reflects a departure from its usual ambiguity about its relations with China and the U.S. But the country’s potential role in a Taiwan contingency—an issue that has yet to enter the country’s mainstream political agenda—will depend upon a number of factors.
February 23, 2022
China's position on Russia’s actions is both crucial and more complex, with many in the Chinese policy community surprised Putin was following through on his threats.
February 22, 2022
Copyright The Henry L. Stimson Center