[asia-apec 1685] New U.S. policy likely to focus on China

[Aaron James]

"In this context, Bush's first opportunity for an official visit to China
will likely occur next October when the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
forum meets in Shanghai."

http://www.asahi.com/english/asahi/1215/asahi121502.html

New U.S. policy likely to focus on China 
Asahi Shimbun (Japan)
By YOICHI NISHIMURA 
December 15, 2000 

WASHINGTON-The new Bush administration will probably devote more time and
energy to China affairs than any previous U.S. government, analysts say. 

Although Bush has defined China, India and Russia as the core regions of
his administration's foreign policy, China almost certainly will take
center stage. 

In this context, Bush's first opportunity for an official visit to China
will likely occur next October when the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
forum meets in Shanghai. 

Prior to this, however, the Bush administration will have to deal with a
number of pressing issues, such as plans for a Theater Missile Defense
(TMD) system and Taiwan as well as coordinating policy with Japan and the
Republic of Korea (South Korea). 

In an attempt to highlight his differences with the outgoing Clinton
administration, Bush called China a ``strategic competitor'' as opposed to
Clinton's notion of ``strategic partner.'' 

Still, in many areas, such as support of a one-China policy, strengthening
economic ties and maintaining most-favored-nation status, there is general
agreement between Republicans and Democrats. 

But TMD and the Taiwan issue could be the seeds for tension in dealing with
China. 

If Bush decides to push development of a national missile defense system,
China could counter by accelerating its development of strategic nuclear
missiles. 

While Bush is expected to take a more pro-Taiwan stance than the Clinton
administration, he likely will not go as far as Republican hard-liners who
are calling for further military support for Taiwan. 

However, in a White House report to Congress that is set for release in
April the issue of arms sales to Taiwan is likely to again stir controversy. 

Bush's foreign policy adviser, Stanford University professor Condoleezza
Rice, has called China a ``power seeking to change the current power
structure in Asia.'' 

Bush advisers are calling for a strengthening of the Japan-U.S. alliance,
not only to maintain the U.S. military presence in Asia by reinforcing ties
with its allies, but also to prevent China from attempting to upset the
status quo.