Introduction
The U.S. and China have been engaging in a manner marked by tension. The relationship between the U.S. and China has been described as the most complex for the United States. Over the last five decades, Sino-American relations have evolved from animosity to candid dialogue and constructive cooperation. The two disputing nations have consistently found common ground, such as investment, trade, and security, that keeps them together. However, many key issues between them remain unresolved, and there is significant tension as China rises to become a military power in Asia, an economic powerhouse, and a potential rival to U.S. hegemony.
In the book “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present,” Robert G. Sutter comprehensively analyzes the relationship between the United States and China. The book provides a historical overview of the relationship and examines the numerous strategic and economic factors that contributed to its revolution. This review critically analyzes Sutter’s main arguments, focusing on how the author explores and conveys the relationship.
Enticement
Background of the Issue in the Book
The relationship between the U.S. and China has always been complicated and complex. About five decades ago, the former President of the United States, Richard Nixon, traveled to China to initiate significant changes in the relationship between the two countries. According to Haenle and Bresnick (2022), many things have changed in how the two relate significantly negatively since the visit.
Despite numerous diplomatic efforts, the two countries’ relationship remains tense. While they have tried to find common ground for a positive relationship, such as investment, trade, and security, critical issues have always remained unresolved, making the relationship tense. It is becoming even worse, especially now that China has become a military force in Asia, an economic powerhouse, and a significant rival to the U.S. hegemony.
Many recent discussions about the two nations have borne no significant yields. For instance, there were few breakthroughs, if any, in recent talks between the two nations. Haenle and Bresnick (2022) note, “the recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden led only to agreements to hold yet more talks, albeit on important issues such as strategic stability” (p. 4).
The only thing the two nations agree on is the need for continued discussion. Ever since the summit between the two nations, the relationship has deteriorated further. For instance, the Biden administration has recently announced that it will diplomatically boycott the Beijing Olympics and has added some Chinese companies to the restriction list (Haenle and Bresnick, 2022). Additionally, Congress has been on edge to counter some human rights violations by China, such as forced labor issues in Xinjiang. Generally, this relationship is marked by tension, and everyone anticipates the unexpected.
Book Summary
Sutter’s “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present” offers a comprehensive overview of U.S.-China relations. It is a timely publication on one of the world’s most complex bilateral relationships (Sutter, 2018). Currently, the relationship is facing numerous challenges under the leadership of Joe Biden and Xi Jinping of China, much as it did under Donald Trump.
National leaders from the U.S. and China emphasize their own national interests, risking a negative impact on their relationship. Some of the reasons for the U.S.-China collision include intellectual property rights in China, trade, maritime security, and Taiwan, among others (Sutter, 2018). They collide because most of these issues are in the nation’s interest.
Sutter places a strong emphasis on the history of the US-China relationship, tracing it back to the early years of the Cold War. He details all the factors that led to its start and explains how they achieved this. He also provides readers with an in-depth analysis of the relationship and his thoughts on what it will be like in the future.
According to Sutter, the relationship between the U.S. and China has been marked by numerous challenges due to differences in the nations’ political ideologies and systems (Sutter, 2018). The book also examines the economic, historical, and strategic factors that have shaped this relationship over time. For instance, he notes that ongoing territorial disputes between the U.S. and China in the South China Sea, as well as China’s rise as an economic powerhouse, have made the relationship even more tense.
Throughout the book “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present, Sutter brings it out clearly to the readers how it is essential to understand the complexity between China and the U.S. According to him, understanding this relationship would help develop policies that would make it less tense and promote stability and peace between the U.S. and China (Sutter, 2018). Sutter also uses his book to advise policymakers and analysts who are making efforts to find strategies for addressing the uncertainties and challenges in the relationship between China and the U.S. Overall, Sutter’s books give a clear overview and analysis of the U.S.-China relationship and factors that have played a part in making it tense and complicated.
Author Background Information and Expertise
The Author of “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present” is Robert G. Sutter. Sutter is a renowned expert on U.S.-China relations, with over 4 decades of experience. For instance, over the years, Sutter has published many essays, articles, and books on different aspects of analyzing American foreign policy and Asian and Pacific affairs.
The Elliot School of George Washington University notes that with a Ph.D. in History and East Asian language from Harvard University, “Sutter has published 22 books (four with multiple editions), over 300 articles, and several hundred government reports” (Elliot School of International Affairs, n.d.). He has also served as an advisor and consultant to non-governmental organizations and governmental agencies on U.S.-China relations. Additionally, Sutter teaches Practice of International Affairs at the Elliot School of George Washington University. All this extensive expertise and experience make Sutter well-suited to give an insightful view of the relationship between the U.S. and China.
Examination
Book Content and Structure
Sutter’s “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present” offers an insightful perspective on the complex and tense relationship between the U.S. and China, from its inception to the present. It provides readers with an explanation of the factors that have contributed to the current state of this relationship. To make it easier for readers to understand, Sutter wrote the book in twelve chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of the relationship.
For instance, in Chapter 1, Sutter highlights the critical issues between these two nations and how they can be balanced to achieve a common goal. In Chapters 2-7, Sutter offers an overview of the relationship’s history and some of the factors that have shaped it over the years (Sutter, 2018). Chapters 8 to 11 discuss four significant aspects of the US-China relationship that are shaped by the two nations’ conflicting interests. In Chapter 12, Sutter offers his readers an insight into the relationship between the two powers as the Chinese President becomes increasingly assertive both domestically and internationally, and Trump revises U.S. foreign policy. He offers insights into the potential impact of the U.S.-China relationship on the future of international affairs.
Author’s Arguments and Evidence
In his book, “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present,” Sutter argues that the relationship between China and the U.S. is one of the globe’s most important but complex. The history of the relationship between these two nations has undergone a significant shift over the years, from conflict and animosity to constructive cooperation and candid dialogue. The two countries have been simultaneously conflicting, cooperating, and competing.
For instance, Sutter notes that although the economic relationship between the U.S. and China is characterized by interdependence and cooperation, there are also instances of conflict, and the relationship is filled with tension. One instance in which Sutter explains this tension is that the U.S. imports more from China than it exports to China. This has brought the issue to the U.S. Congress, and some argue that the nation should stop this high level of imports. He notes, “The majority of congressional members who opposed the annual waiver that granted continued MFN tariff treatment to Chinese imports had no intention of seeking a serious cutoff of US-China trade” (Sutter, 2018, p. 110). They consistently expressed dissatisfaction with China’s and the U.S.’s policies concerning these imports.
Another instance Sutter uses to prove that the U.S.-China economic relationship is characterized by tension involves the Chinese intellectual property rights. U.S. policymakers and businesses have long raised concerns about Chinese intellectual property. For instance, policymakers have long been concerned about China’s efforts to acquire sensitive U.S. technology to achieve its policy objectives and enhance its military capabilities. Each of these two countries appears to be competing for superiority in every aspect, and whenever they gain an advantage, they make significant use of it.
Officials from the United States have long reported that the Chinese are stealing IP and compelling U.S. companies to share the technologies they have to do business in their nation. Sutter notes, “U.S. intellectual property–intensive firms that conducted business in China in 2009 lost $48.2 billion in sales, royalties, and license fees because of IPR violations in China” (Sutter, 2018, p. 204). In addition to incurring financial losses due to Chinese intellectual property rights, concerns have also been raised about the increasing national security risk to the U.S. posed by China.
Sutter also uses the territorial dispute between the U.S. and China to show how this vital relationship is filled with tension. In recent years, tensions have risen between China and the U.S. over territories in the South China Sea. According to Sutter, “US-China differences over Taiwan subsided with the coming to power of Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou (2008–16), who sharply shifted Taiwan toward a more cooperative stance in relations with China” (Sutter, 2018, p. 2). The tension has risen significantly, especially now that China has shown more proactive efforts in claiming the disputed waters and islands.
However, the U.S. government has responded with the “rebalancing” policy toward Asia. Sutter notes, “The Obama government’s broad rebalancing with regional governments and multilateral organizations had a scope ranging from India to the Pacific island states to Korea and Japan” (Sutter, 2018, p. 280). The policy aims to strengthen the U.S. alliance and partnership with other countries in the region to counter China’s growing influence.
Throughout his book “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present,” Sutter draws on substantial evidence to argue that the critical US-China relationship is often fraught with tension. The evidence Sutter uses includes interviews with policymakers and experts, as well as primary source documents. For example, while providing his readers with information about the conflict between the U.S. and China in the South China Sea, Sutter cites the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague (Sutter, 2018, p. 164).
He also includes interviews with key figures in the U.S.-China relationship, such as Henry Kissinger, a former Secretary of State (Sutter, 2018, p. 69). Kissinger’s interview helped Sutter offer his readers deep insights into how policymakers think and develop strategies. Overall, Sutter used solid evidence from various sources to support his argument.
Author’s Writing Style and Use of Language
In his book, Sutter uses clear, concise language to help his readers understand his argument by making historical events and complex ideas accessible. He also employs a straightforward, objective tone in his book, making it even more remarkable for the insight it offers. Although Sutter has included some technical concepts and terms in his book that may be unfamiliar to some audiences, the general language is accessible to a broader audience (Sutter, 2018). No one reading this book will have difficulty understanding what the author is trying to convey. Therefore, Sutter’s writing style and language have played a significant role in helping many people understand his argument and relate to the current state of things.
Elucidation
Message and Purpose of the Author
Sutter offers a comprehensive analysis of the U.S.-China relationship in his book “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present.” He does this by examining the relationship’s key factors, history, and prospects. Sutter aims to offer a balanced perspective on the US-China relationship, acknowledging both its positive and negative aspects. According to his argument, the US-China relationship has faced numerous challenges and tensions, rendering it significantly weaker. For instance, the two have been disputing territory, implementing policies against each other, and, at times, collaborating. Additionally, Sutter highlights strategic and security concerns existing between the two powers, their impacts, and their implications for the Asian continent. For instance, Chinese intellectual property rights pose increased security risks for the U.S.
The Contribution of the Book to the International Affairs Field
The book “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present” makes a significant contribution to the field of International Affairs in numerous ways. One way is to provide an objective and balanced view of the critical yet tense relationship between the U.S. and China. The US-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world.
While both countries benefit from the relationship, they do all they can to destroy it. For instance, as mentioned earlier, the U.S. has implemented many policies to disfavor China, including its companies (Sutter, 2018). The comprehensive analysis that Sutter offers in his book extends people’s understanding of the relationship, its impact on both nations and the world, and what needs to be done to restore the relationship and ensure both countries cooperate peacefully.
In his book, Sutter draws on his extensive knowledge and experience as a practitioner and scholar of US-China relations to offer in-depth insights that many academics, policymakers, and the general public will find valuable. For instance, in one book, Sutter has covered a range of topics, including security, culture, trade, and diplomacy. It explores these topics through extensive research from a range of sources, including academic studies, government reports, primary sources, interviews, court rulings, media coverage, and more. It denotes key milestones and turning points in the relationship, which are essential to a broad audience today.
Comparison to Similar Works in the Field
Sutter’s “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present” book compares favorably with many books and studies in the field of International Affairs, yet it still stands out. Two recent books that Sutter’s work compares with are “Great Power Competition as the New Normal of China-US Relations” by Jinghao Zhou and “The China Question 2: Critical Insights into US-China Relations” by Maria Adele Carrai and colleagues.
However, Sutter (2018) distinguishes itself from them by offering an in-depth and insightful historical overview of the US-China relationship. For instance, while Carrai et al. (2022) focus on critical questions about the U.S.-China relationship, Zhou (2022) highlights its strategic competition dimension. In contrast, Sutter (2018) employs a holistic approach to the relationship. In his approach, Sutter (2018) comprehensively covers the US-China relationship, detailing various issues, including security cooperation, economic interdependence, global governance, and ideological differences. Additionally, Sutter (2018) offers an objective view of this relationship, taking care not to demonize or oversimplify either the U.S. or China. Therefore, Sutter (2018) stands out among different books in the field of International Affairs.
The book, “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present,” is part of the broader efforts that experts and policymakers in the field of international affairs are making to understand the complexity of the relationship between the U.S. and China. In his analysis, Sutter utilizes solid evidence from multiple sources, including academic research, government documents, court rulings, and media research, to broaden the understanding of this relationship and its impact on regional and global security.
Additionally, Sutter is also knowledgeable and experienced in matters concerning East Asian Affairs, which makes his analysis more credible. Therefore, “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present” remains more valuable today, especially since this topic is an ongoing issue that affects various aspects of life (Sutter, 2018). Through this book, Sutter has also utilized his experience in the field to offer recommendations to policymakers and analysts on how to approach the US-China relationship.
Evaluation
The Extent of the Author’s Success in Accomplishing His Objective
The aim of writing “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present” was to offer a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the critical and tense relationship between the U.S. and China. Both scholars and the general public will find this book accessible and valuable because Sutter employs firsthand experience, extensive research from various sources, and a clear and concise writing style. In his book, Sutter considers various factors, including security issues, economic interdependence, ideological differences, and the need to govern the globe, which he believes have shaped the relationship between the U.S. and China.
Sutter has successfully utilized his book to convey his central message that the relationship between China and the U.S. has undergone numerous transformations over the years and has an uncertain future. He indicates that the relationship has faced numerous challenges, which have shaped its current state. His analysis reaches a broader audience because he has used a straightforward and objective tone, as well as clear and precise language in his book.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Book
Sutter’s comprehensive and holistic approach to writing the book is one of its strengths. Sutter comprehensively discusses various factors affecting the relationship between the U.S. and China in a single book. Additionally, he approached the topic in a nuanced and objective manner, avoiding favoritism for either side. Lastly, Sutter utilized many valuable sources, including court rulings, government reports, media reports, and academic research, to support his argument and offer solid evidence. However, the book also has some shortcomings. For instance, some people might find it denser and more detailed, which would require a lot of time to comprehend.
Counterargument
Sutter’s “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present” book may have failed to capture the growing strategic rivalry and competition between the U.S. and China in specific sectors. Although Sutter’s book also mentions some information about security issues in the relationship between the U.S. and China, it focuses more on other aspects, including diplomatic and economic issues. Sutter has significantly downplayed the relationship’s strategic competition dimension, including their advancements in technology and military.
Additionally, Sutter’s book provides a comprehensive analysis of the history of the relationship between the U.S. and China; however, it may have failed to effectively capture how the relationship continues to evolve today and how it will develop in the future. It tends to focus significantly on past trends and events while analyzing future scenarios. It fails to account for many factors and challenges that could affect the future relationship between the U.S. and China. Thus, while Sutter presents a thorough and detailed examination of U.S.-China relations, he could have incorporated more recent research.
Conclusion
In summary, in “US-China Relations: Perilous Past, Uncertain Present,” Robert G. Sutter presents an in-depth analysis of the complex and multifaceted relationship between the US and China. In this book, Sutter focuses on the factors that influence relationships, including ideological, economic, strategic, and domestic factors. The insight in the book offers a critical contribution to the field of international affairs, as both experts and the general public can access and understand it.
It also recommends to policymakers and analysts how to effectively manage this relationship and ensure it remains stable and peaceful. However, since the book is more comprehensive in its approach to the relationship, it is recommended that readers consult other books on the U.S.-China relationship to gain a deeper understanding. Understanding this topic will play a crucial role in the joint effort to ensure productive and peaceful global relations.
References
Carrai, M. A., Rudolph, J., & Szonyi, a. M. (Eds.). (2022). The China Questions 2: Critical Insights Into US-China Relations (Vol. 2). Harvard University Press.
Elliot School of International Affairs. (n.d.). Robert Sutter.
Haenle, P., & Bresnick, a. (2022, February 21). Why U.S.-China relations are locked in a stalemate.
Sutter, R. G. (2018). US-China relations: Perilous past, uncertain present (3rd ed.). Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield.
Zhou, J. (2022). The great power competition in the post-pandemic Era. In J. Zhou (Ed.), Great power competition as the new normal of China–US relations (pp. 227-260). Cham: Springer International Publishing.