Look Back In Bewilderment

Abstract

In Sino-U.S. relations, the 1990s proved to have been a time of transition, although to what end-state remained unclear. The decade saw both dramatic and prosaic changes in perceived interests and policy. Hindsight helps to discern phases although each phase was a combination of contrasting views in varying balances. Also, changes in dominant views in China and America never exactly dovetailed. A degree of discordance, therefore, challenged efforts to smooth the edges of the discourse. Asynchronous confluence of external and domestic factors impinging on each capital made generalizations even more fraught. Still, some patterns emerged.

The US Congress has gravely violated the fundamental norms of international relations, interfered in China’s internal affairs and seriously hurt the feelings of the Chinese people.¹

—FMPRC

China’s growing military capabilities present serious challenges for the United States. The Cox report should prompt a full and serious review of export controls, to make certain that America’s technology is not arming China’s military… we must deal with China in a firm and consistent manner.²

—George W. Bush

China is neither Iraq nor Yugoslavia, but a very special country: on the one hand, China is a permanent member of the UNSC; on the other hand, it is a country that has certain abilities of launching a strategic counterattack and the capacity of launching a long-distance strike. Probably it is not a wise move to be at war with a country such as China.³

—PLA Daily

We must start with the acknowledgement, at least, that we are unprepared to understand Chinese thinking. And then we must acknowledge that we are facing in China what may become the largest challenge in our nation’s history.⁴

—Michael Pillsbury