The Trilateral countries are faced with the serious challenge of understanding and coping with China, a rising economic and military power, but also a country ridden with political and social uncertainties. This report, written for the Trilateral Commission, for which the Japan Center for International Exchange acts as Japanese secretariat, considers China's rise more an opportunity than a threat and recommends a wide range of economic, strategic, and political actions that would facilitate China's involvement in the world community. At the same time, it recommends that expectations be kept realistic.
The report takes the form of a survey of important issues that must be understood in order to guide future policy properly. It starts with a summary of the country's culture and history, the current political, economic, and military condition, and the concept of a "Greater China"---mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. China's entry into the international economy, its security needs, and its aspirations are also addressed, and global issues such as population, environment, and nonproliferation are examined. Finally, the report devotes itself to specific recommendations for economic integration, security, global issues, Taiwan and Hong Kong, and good governance.
Chapters
- Introduction: A Rising New Power
- China in Historical Perspective
- The Mainland Domestic Context
- Hong Kong, Taiwan, and "Greater China"
- The Chinese Economy: Global and Regional Dimensions
- China's National Security
- Global Issues and China's Role
- The Effective and Good Governance of China
- Summary of Policy Recommendations
Authors
- Yoichi Funabashi, Washington Bureau Chief, Asahi Shimbun
- Michael Okensberg, President, East-West Center, Honolulu
- Heinrich Weiss, Chairman of the Managing Board, SMS AG, Düsseldorf; Chairman, China Committee, East Committee of German Industry
New York: The Trilateral Commission, 1994
ISBN 0-930503-71; 96 pages; paper, $12.00