| The debate regarding China's true intentions as it continues its economic and national development has occupied an elevated status in recent years. With its contradicting official proclamations and actions, China has been considered everything from a "strategic partner" to an overt "threat" to the United States.; Any challenge the PRC poses to the United States on a global basis would most likely first occur on a regional basis. This region would most likely include China's neighbors in Southeast Asia and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In this work, ASEAN 5 countries in particular are evaluated as they were the original ASEAN members and continue to represent over go percent of ASEAN exports. Thus, via the review of historical context and a multi-dimensional transaction analysis including data in the political, military, economic, and cultural arenas, this dissertation will attempt to show any inroads the PRC has made vis a vis the US in ASEAN 5 countries from the 1990's through 2006. The three key Asian countries of Japan, Taiwan, and India will also be included in this analysis.; Data indicates that the PRC has had varying success in reducing US influence in these areas, with more success coming in areas of 'soft' power. In the military arena, the PRC has made little to no progress. In the area of economics, the PRC has made significant inroads with regards to imports from the ASEAN 5, however continues to significantly lag with regards to FDI levels in these countries. In the tourism arena, China both sends to the ASEAN 5 and receives from them significantly more tourists than does the US. In the area of education, the PRC sends significantly more students to the ASEAN 5 than does the US, while ASEAN 5 students prefer to go to the US in significant numbers over China. In the political arena, the ASEAN 5 appear to fall in the middle ground regarding their agreement with the US or PRC in United Nations voting. |
