Another factor working against expanded military exchanges is the Chinese fear that increased transparency could provide US military intelligence with insights into Beijing’s defence vulnerabilities. In addition to not wanting to draw attention to their strategic build-up, concealing China’s military plans and assets makes it harder for potential foreign adversaries to identify Chinese military targets or respond effectively to Beijing’s military programmes. The fragility of Sino-US defence relations is evident in how frequently simple accidents have disrupted military exchanges. The mistaken US bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade in May 1999 led the Chinese to drastically curtail military contacts, while the April 2001 crisis resulting from the EP-3 collision off Hainan Island discouraged the Bush administration from attempting to reinvigorate military ties.
This lack of transparency has had knock-on effects, including a lack of reciprocity in the exchanges. While US officials have sought substantive dialogues and briefings, their Chinese counterparts typically prefer the symbolism of high-level interactions. Complaints about reciprocity declined during the George W. Bush administration, when US officials scaled back the exchanges in recognition that the Chinese would always limit what they’re willing to show and tell the US side. And, while Chinese leaders continue to profess a commitment to genuine military transparency, they’ve taken few steps to address US complaints about a perceived lack of reciprocity in the bilateral defence relationship.
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Gates laid down a marker to Beijing: ‘It should be clear to everyone now—more than 30 years after normalization—that interruptions in our military relationship with China will not change United States policy toward Taiwan.’ The Obama administration has rightly decided to accept another temporary freezing of high-level Sino-US military ties rather than being held hostage by Chinese threats.
The problem is that Chinese policymakers clearly see the bilateral defence relationship as something that Washington wants more than Beijing. For military engagement between China and the United States to be successful, the Chinese leadership must understand that the exchanges aren’t simply a source of leverage to be employed to secure US concessions.
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Frank
“it seems like some Chinese are very ready for that.” — V. Lim
You are right about that. Chinese are prepared to defend their island Taiwan and the national treasures their ancestors left for them in Taiwan’s museum.
“I find no American speaking about war with China” — V. Lim
You are also right about that. None of the Americans would like to die for the cause of Taiwan Independence.
Yes, Chinese are practical. However, Chinese are also very proud people. They will go to war for their pride. It is about face. You non-Chinese can never understand that.
Chinese will fight for their pride, their ancestor’s treasures.
Anybody want to put me on a payroll for typing a few words? I would like that. I am practical.
Vy
“Practical” is the word used for short-term strategy. Certainly it is not good to talk about long-term and stable growth.
Viiit
I think that as China is becoming richer and has a growing middle class, slowly the inhuman fascist (communist)government will give way to democracy. Unlike Russians, Chinese people are very practical, they have less interest in the imperial expansion than in living good life.
As for Taiwan; once China becomes wealthy and a democracy, Taiwanese people will be happy to join.
Right now, Taiwanese people have no desire to live under the China’s fascist regime.
Vincent Kan
I think the US is underestimating the consequences of the Taiwan Arms Sale & the nationalism of the Chinese. This prove that the US think tank lack of insight of what the Chinese’s wanted. The way the US military closing in to China coast line, defense alignment with India, Aust & Japan, arms sale to Taiwan & support of separatist in Tibet & Xinjiang; the Chinese is not stupid. If US wanted an enemy; they will have one. With more than 5,000 yrs of continuous military tradition, China can see what the US is doing. Your so call anti-China media coverage etc… DO you think the Chinese will let u do what u wanted them by pressing them???
One truth i think you need to tell the US Government; China wanted peace & friendship but if you really push them to the conner, we will strike back. China wanted to avoid war but they do not fear war. We have been in war for many centuries, even with the lost of 2/3 of the population in nuclear war… the Chinese will willing to scarify compare to US for dragging the China’s nose.
Do not impose your will onto China… everyone in the world is watching you guys. Today is not in the 60s. China is no pushover. Live with it or else if you all wanted war… China are ready for you, & they will punish you to the core !!! Trust me.
T. Patterson
On Beijing’s payroll, Vincent? It sure sounds like it.
V. Lim
@ Vincent: No one wants war. Didn’t you see they clearly indicate in the article: War is the result of miscalculation and irrational analysis. So if you really support peace, be diplomatic and rational. Instead of raising your voice to oppose anything that is against China’s will, why don’t you be transparent about your military power (as you said, “more than 5,000 yrs of continuous military tradition”) and show the world more sincerity to peace? Read more about U.S. strategy on China before you speak. I find no American speaking about war with China, but it seems like some Chinese are very ready for that.