Analysis On Realism Factors Of Obama-administration's China Policy

Sino-US relations can be described as wide fluctuation sine Obama came into office. During his early days in office, the US economy was seriously affected by the subprime crisis and the US domestic economy lagged behind with a continuous decline in domestic employment rate; therefore, Obama Administration needed the help and support from China, which drove US to develop bilateral relations with China actively, causing a good beginning. However, one year later, Obama, in respond to domestic pressure and midterm election, adjusted the strategies to China from the previous contact strategy to the strategy of containment, reflecting the"dual character"of US. In brief, Obama's policy to China is featured by the combination of"contact"and"containment".Realism Theory is one of the most influential and perdurable theories among theories of international relations. As two important elements of Realism Theory, "Power"and"National Interest"have the decisive effect over the foreign policies of one country. Foreign policy of one country is made on the center of national interest and meanwhile, the realization process of national interest must be supported by certain power. Obama Administration's policy to China is based on such two elements with prompt adjustment of the policy to China during the term of office.The thesis analyzes Obama Administration's policies to China from a realistic perspective and is composed of four parts. The first part briefly discusses the establishment and development of Realism. The second part elaborates the general policies to China since Obama came into office. The third part applies Realism Theory to explain the fundamental reasons of changes in Obama's policies to China. The last part presents some coping approaches for China when confronting the"dual character"of Obama Administration's policies to China.In brief, however active attitude the Obama Administration held when it came into power, it is impossible to last long. It is impossible for any of the US government to change its policies to China significantly. In general, US turns friendly to China when it needs China's support and, however, when it needs to relieve the domestic pressure in virtue of China, it turn to the case of Sino-US sensitive issues, influencing Sino-US relations. Nevertheless, as we can also see, the development of Sino-US relations is in a good momentum of which the general direction contains more cooperation than containment.