The U.S.-China Security Dynamic

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In The Media

Carnegie China

The U.S.-China Security Dynamic

Although the U.S.-China relationship benefits from deep economic and trade ties, the military-to-military relationship between the two nations is not as strong as it should be.

By Paul Haenle

Published on Feb 17, 2012

Source: State on Demand

Speaking on State on Demand, Carnegie's Paul Haenle explained that although the United States and China benefit from deep economic and trade ties, the military-to-military relationship between the two nations is not as strong as it should be. “The United States is concerned that certain aspects of the PLA’s capabilities appear to be developed for the specific purpose of denying the United States the ability to involve itself in some sort of conflict in the region,” Haenle said.

Haenle also elaborated on President Obama’s ‘Pivot to Asia’, stating that given the Asia-Pacific’s importance to the United States in terms of trade and economic issues, it made sense for U.S. foreign policy to become more focused on this region. This pivot is not just an effort to enhance U.S. military presence in the region, he explained, but also intended to enhance diplomatic and economic ties.

About the Author

Paul Haenle

Former Maurice R. Greenberg Director’s Chair, Carnegie China

Paul Haenle held the Maurice R. Greenberg Director’s Chair at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and is a visiting senior research fellow at the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore. He served as the White House China director on the National Security Council staffs of former presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

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Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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