Bush Administration Policy Toward Beijing and Taipei

The George W. Bush Administration has carried out arguably the most significant rebalancing of US policy in the US-People's Republic of China (PRC)-Taiwan triangular relationship since the 1970s. Recent US relations with the PRC and Taiwan are within a broad one China framework, but they are unusual; never since the opening of relations with China has the United States so markedly increased its military and other support for Taiwan while seeing an improvement in US relations with Beijing. Credit for improved relations goes partly to the PRC leadership who have adjusted Chinese foreign policy toward US interests, strongly emphasizing the positive while eschewing pressure, confron tation and conflict. The reasons for the Chinese shift vary, but this article emphasizes the importance of an effective Bush Administration policy toward China. The Bush Government has foreclosed previous Chinese leverage over the United States and made clear that resorting to anti-American pressure would hurt China's interests much more than those of the United States. While remaining firm on substantive differences over Taiwan, weapons proliferation, missile defense, alliance expansion, human rights and other sensitive issues, it has responded positively and pragmatically to Chinese efforts to broaden common ground and improve relations, and sought to avoid provocations by either side in cross-strait relations. Recent trends suggest that Chinese leaders are likely to continue for the next year and possibly longer to seek improved US ties, muting pressure or threats regarding US actions that continue to improve military and other ties with Taiwan and other sensitive issues.