China's Rise in Asia: Promises and Perils

by Robert G. Sutter

China's rapid military and economic growth has fuelled a steady stream of analysis and debate about the PRC's motivations and objectives regarding the United States. Yet until now, there has not been a sustained, single-authored assessment in English of China's expanding influence in Asia in the post-Cold War period. Respected analyst Robert G. Sutter draws on his extensive experience in the region to explore the current debate on China's rise and its meaning for U.S. interests by examining in detail China's current and historical relations with the key countries of Asia. He finds a range of motivations underlying China's recent initiatives. Some incline Chinese policy to be cooperative with the United States, others to be competitive and confrontational. Sutter's nuanced study shows that U.S. power and influence continue to dominate Asia and play a critical role in determining China's cooperative or confrontational approach. He argues that the Bush administration's policies of firmness and cooperation have encouraged China to stay on a generally constructive track in the region.

310 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

(required for class) A bit outdated, and this man never says anything quickly. Everything feels much long than it is, and he loves his lists. Not lists consisting of phrasing, lists where each point is a few paragraphs.

That aside, it is worthwhile to look at China from a purely Asian context and this book is very informative.

[Matt]

An overview of the more recent history of political relations between PR.China, and Taiwan, Japan, Korea(s), US, Russia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asian countries.

slow going but good.