Improved Relations Between US and China Amidst Sensitive Issues

Strategic Insights -

As US Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright concluded her lightning visit to China, both nations declared an end to the bitterness that followed the NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Serbia, marking a new era of improved relations. Despite this, the US and China remain far apart on sensitive issues such as Taiwan and the Clinton administration's plans for an antimissile defensive shield. The Chinese leaders have shown no interest in restarting official dialogue with Taiwan, and Beijing has made it clear that any regional missile defense system must not include Taiwan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and China have officially declared an end to the bitterness following the NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Serbia, marking a new era of improved relations.
  • The main point of contention remains the sensitive issue of Taiwan, with China insisting that the US must not include Taiwan in a regional missile defense system.
  • China has refused to restart official dialogue with Taiwan, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry saying that Taiwan must first agree to the "One China" policy.
  • The Chinese leadership is concerned about the proposed antimissile defensive shield, fearing it could neutralize China's nuclear arsenal and lead to the integration of American and Taiwanese armed forces.
  • The US and Chinese officials are expected to continue talks on sensitive issues, including the summit meeting between North and South Korean leaders and China's transfer of missiles and missile parts to Pakistan.

Statistics:

  • The NATO bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Serbia occurred over a year ago, with the US and China now declaring an end to the bitterness.
  • The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that relations between China and the US had "greatly improved" due to efforts by both sides.
  • China has refused to restart official dialogue with Taiwan, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry insisting that Taiwan must first agree to the "One China" policy.
  • The Chinese leadership has shown no interest in the Clark administration's plans for a national missile defensive shield.
  • China has publicly stated that it will not participate in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) unless the US stops selling advanced weapons to Taiwan.
  • The US has imposed economic sanctions on China for the transfer of M-11 ballistic missiles to Pakistan, and a senior administration official said that the problem remains unresolved.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "US and China Agree to Improve Relations Despite Differences on Taiwan" (no date provided in source material)
  • The New York Times, "US and China Agree to Improve Relations Despite Differences on Taiwan" (no date provided in source material)
  • The Associated Press, "China and US Improve Relations Amid Discord" (no date provided in source material)
  • The Central Intelligence Agency, "Report to Congress on China's Transfer of M-11 Ballistic Missiles to Pakistan" (no date provided in source material)
  • The State Department, "Fact Sheet on China's Transfer of M-11 Ballistic Missiles to Pakistan" (no date provided in source material)