Contradictions In The Chinese And American Grand Strategies And Sino-American Relationship:Possibilities For Peace And Conflict

The Sino-American relationship is one which cannot be explained by any single theoretical perspective and instead incorporates elements of realism, liberalism, and constructivism, as well as countless contradictions. This research analyzes the contradictions in the Chinese and American identities, perspectives of one another, and grand strategies and presents a comprehensive explanation for the current state of the relationship.China and the United States view one another as strategic rivals and strategic partners; these conflicted views are linked to views of the world and views of each other and themselves shaped by contradictory past and present experiences. Also, while these two powers prefer peace to conflict, their interests are dangerously conflicted. The United States believes that American leadership is necessary and should be preserved indefinitely; it is proud of its exceptional position, feels threatened by the possibility of Chinese revisionism, and fears decline. China seeks to construct a Chinese sphere of influence, emerge as the preeminent power in Asia, and restore its national power to historic levels. China is driven by great power ambitions and a firm belief that the resurgence of American power in Asia and the ever-present possibility of containment make the world unsafe and unsuitable for the preservation of the Chinese political system and Chinese participation in global affairs. These motivations, which are linked to traditional realist concepts such as fear and greed, security and power, encourage competition.China, with its Chinese Dream and related Asia-Pacific Dream, and the United States, with its Pivot to Asia strategy and desire to make this century America’s Pacific Century, are pursuing power in Asia at the expense of the other; however, despite significant increases in competition, these two countries continue to engage in regular cooperation to facilitate the development of an interdependent relationship capable of preventing conflict. China’s efforts to construct a protected Chinese sphere of influence involve elements of revisionism and status-quoism and are about creating a secure path for greater integration into the liberal world order. The United States is pursuing a congagement strategy which involves both containment and engagement to eliminate revisionism, stabilize the region under America’s global authority, and turn China into a valuable partner.China and the United States are both relative and absolute gain seekers which are trying to maximize their overall capabilities and comprehensive national power at the expense of the other while simultaneously pursuing cooperation and interdependence in order to preserve stability and prevent conflict. Both sides are pushing deeper into the Thucydides trap while holding fast to the belief that the other side will choose to withdraw before conflict occurs. The winner theoretically maximizes its gains without incurring the costs of conflict, and for the loser, the gains from interdependence compensate for any losses of power, ensuring that when the game is over, cooperation will continue and stability will persist. This is a high risk, high reward game which is zero sum and likely to result in conflict. Fortunately, the dynamics of the Sino-American relationship and the presence of cooperation and independence have left the door open for both sides to change course and achieve their goals together before the relationship passes the tipping point. States are not bound to predestined paths set by theories; there are steps which can be taken to prevent conflict, but those steps must be taken if conflict is to be prevented.