Beyond "Balance" And "Bandwagon":Thailand's Response To China's Rise After Cold War

The rise of great powers often has a profound influence on the pattern and trend of international relations.In the period of great power's rising,the interaction between great power and other countries has been widely discussed by scholars.There are many theories on this topic,which from diverse perspective,such as the theory of"balance" and "bandwagon",and so on.The rise of China is a major event which influence the world.It is of great significance to explore the interaction between China and other countries,especially neighboring countries,in the historical process of China's rise.After the end of the cold war,the relationship between China and Thailand sustained steadily and forewardly.Taking the fact that Thailand is ally of the U.S.and the difference in political system between China and Thailand into account,this stable,friendly and closely relationship between the two countries deserves further study.Thailand's response to China's rise has its particularity,which can be summarized as an "accommodation" strategy.The core of this strategy is actively adapt to the rise of China,and views China's rise as a rare opportunity rather than a threat.Thailand adjusts its foreign policy taking China factor into consideration,and fosters the friendly relationship with China in all levels.It is reflected in many fields,including economic,political,cultural,military and other aspects when Thailand "accommodate"the rise of China.Thailand reacts mildly when confronting China's rise.There are many factors accounting for this phenomenon:Thailand's dependence on China's economy strengthen the stability of Thailand's policy towards China;Buddhism culture in Thailand makes it pursue steady relationship with China;Thailand's"bamboo diplomacy" tradition makes Thailand commit to the connection with China which is powerful increasingly;China's "responsible great power" diplomacy practice supports the relations between China and Thailand,and so on.Thailand accommodates to China's rise,which is beyond the theory of "balance"and "bandwagon".In terms of domestic arms construction and alliance,Thailand aren't oriented to China,and the national security strategy,public opinion of Thailand not views China as a threat.So the theory of "balance of power" and "balance of threat" are not adapt to Thailand.Thailand's "balance diplomacy" between China and the U.S.and its insistence on the spirit of "non-align movement" make it beyond the theory of "bandwagon the power","bandwagon the threat" and "bandwagon the interest".Thailand pursues its national interest with the help of the rapidly development of China's economy.Therefore,Thailand's accommodation on the rise of China are constructive to both sides of Thailand and China:China is glad to see stable and friendly relations with Thailand,Thailand fulfills its diplomatic goals drawing support from China's rapidly development opportunities.What is valuable is that both China and Thailand have made efforts and adjustments for the relationship with each other.Sino-Thai relations are facing new opportunities for development after China proposed "One Belt and One Road"strategy.Thailand is an important pivot country of 21 Century Maritime Silk Road.Thailand will greatly benefit from the rise of China if it takes its own advantages and conditions and seize the opportunity in the cooperation with China.China and Thailand are going out one win-win road in which the great power and small power coexists.It not only benefits the two countries,but also conducive to regional peace and prosperity.