In Part One, I wrote about “The Dangers of a Rising China”. In part two, we shall explore The Economist’s Special Report.
1. In Brushwood and gall, China insists that its growing military and diplomatic clout pose no threat. Edward Carr says, “The rest of the world, and particularly America, is not so sure.”
In conclusion, The Economist (TE) says, “American arms remain vastly superior, but in China’s coastal waters they would no longer confer such an easy victory.”
The message is clear— a military conflict with China would not be worth the price.
2. The fourth modernisation focuses on China becoming a military force to reckon with in the western Pacific and how America should respond.
The conclusion says, “Perhaps China does not mean ever to use its weapons aggressively. But American defense planners cannot rely on that, so they must respond.”
In addition, because of this, TE predicts relations between China and America will probably sour.
However, I feel if America acts the bully, China will respond in kind, which puts the ball in America’s court. China might bluff but America may be the bully.
3. In Less biding and hiding, The Economist says, “China is becoming more nationalistic and more assertive. How will other countries react?”
In conclusion, TE says, “Asian security will be determined not just by how China uses its new strength but by how other countries react to it.… Other countries will relax if they are reassured that China does not pose a threat.…”
Therefore, only the future will show us if China plans to be an aggressor (something I doubt will happen unless China is provoked and feels insulted first).
In Part 3, we will continue to summarize The Economist’s special report of China.
Return to The Economist on China – Seriously – Part 1
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Lloyd Lofthouse is the award-winning author of the concubine saga, My Splendid Concubine & Our Hart. When you love a Chinese woman, you marry her family and culture too.
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