We are the World

How should the US view China’s developing relations with her neighbors? Should the US modify its foreign policy toward these same nations in light of their changing relations with China?

The U.S. should view China's developing relations with her neighbors as a "top priority". The United States is a super power and must develope positive relations with China and her neighbors. As mentioned in our reading, China and the United States share many of the same obstacles, i.e. "terrorism". The U.S. must adopt the motto, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". In that context, we must reach out to China's neighbors. We can use our instruments of power, i.e, military aid, economics, and diplomacy to build stronger ties in the Southeast Asia region. We must also modify our foreign policy towards these nations. We should not sell out our beliefs but we must be willing to not to change the beliefs of these nations. A few years ago, I attended a National Security Seminar through the War College. This seminar focused on communicating with other nations. The U.S. must communicate well in this region. Our strategy should not be just a nation building or an intent on creating democracies but also on gaining consensus.

- Tom