Dangerous Borders: Sino-US Relations

Question 1

What is ‘Hedging’?

Answer 1

A strategy of pursuing policies which, on the one hand, emphasis neo-realist engagement and balancing. Whilst, on the other, encourage cooperation in respect of the growing economic and political interdependence

Question 2

The benefit of ‘Hedging’?

Answer 2

Manages political and economic risk by investing in alternative outcomes

Question 3

Hegemon Stability Theory?

Answer 3

International system is stable with existence of small number of hegemons, fall of hegemon(s) leads to instability

Question 4

Main theorists of Hegemon Stability Theory?

Answer 4

Charles Kindleberger & Robert Keohane

Question 5

What is the ‘Hub-and-Spokes’ System?

Answer 5

A series of bilateral relations between numerous East-Asian/Asian-Pacific nations; with the US at the centre

Question 6

What was the 1997 ‘China Threat Theory’?

Answer 6

The concern that China’s extraordinary military and economic rise would result in them becoming the overarching power in the region

Question 7

According to Evan S.Medeiros in ‘Strategic Hedging and the Future of Asia-Pacific Stability’; WHY does the U.S. Hedge?

Answer 7

1. FIVE of SEVEN Mutual Defence allies in Asia
2. Questions over revisionist or limited-aims of China?
3. Will these aims change?

Question 8

According to Evan S.Medeiros in ‘Strategic Hedging and the Future of Asia-Pacific Stability’; HOW does the U.S. AGGRO hedge China?

Answer 8

1. Hub-and-Spokes system
2. Taiwan Relations Act 1979
3. 2004 Israel to India, but no Israel to China weapons sale
4. Clinton 2012 Speech, Pivot to Asia

Question 9

According to Evan S.Medeiros in ‘Strategic Hedging and the Future of Asia-Pacific Stability’; HOW does the U.S. CO-OP hedge China?

Answer 9

1. “Responsible Stakeholder” - Robert Zoellick
2. Post-1970’s opening up
3. Binding into international mechanisms E.g. UN & WTO

Question 10

Which U.S. Statesman actively professed that early 2000’s deals with India was a hedging stratagem?

Answer 10

Robert Zoellick

Question 11

Name of U.S Naval Base in Singapore?

Answer 11

Changai Naval Base - Supports Aircraft Carriers

Question 12

According to Evan S.Medeiros in ‘Strategic Hedging and the Future of Asia-Pacific Stability’; WHY does the CHINA hedge?

Answer 12

1. Increase influence and leverage
2. Uncertainty of neighbours
3. Reliant on U.S markets, investment and technology

Question 13

According to Evan S.Medeiros in ‘Strategic Hedging and the Future of Asia-Pacific Stability’; HOW does the CHINA AGGRO hedge?

Answer 13

1. Constrain U.S ability (Anti-Succession Act 2005) “Non-Peaceful Means”
2. Support of unfriendly environment (E.g. AIIB)
3. Pressure U.S Allies (E.g. Aus to exclude Taiwan from mutual defence treaty)

Question 14

According to Evan S.Medeiros in ‘Strategic Hedging and the Future of Asia-Pacific Stability’; HOW does the CHINA CO-OP hedge?

Answer 14

1. International engagement (E.g. WTO & UN)
2. Reaching out to suspicious relations (E.g. Indian Prime-Minster 2003 & Strategic Partnership in 2005)
3. ) Growing consortium with West on key issues (E.g. DPRK)

Question 15

Risks of Sino-US Hedging?

Answer 15

1. Complications of Taiwan
2. Regional reactions - Will others do something that China/US have to respond to?
3. Sustainability of hedging (E.g. Duel military and economic pressure can only go so-far. A side may have to be chosen)