Lexington Books Chinese Perceptions of the U.S.: An Exploration of China's Foreign Policy Motivations

"China threat" has been one of hotly debated topics since the early 1990s, and this book is an effort to test the China threat thesis. The author argues that a test of the China threat thesis requires addressing two fundamental questions: whether China has the capabilities to challenge the international system and whether China has the motivations to do so. This book will offer a systematic study of China's foreign policy motivations by resorting to an image approach. The conclusion as to whether China is a status quo or a revisionist country will be reached by exploring how consideration of national interests and how China's perceptions of key characters of the U.S. affect China's foreign policy orientation. A summary of the dominant Chinese images of the U.S. will also contribute to understanding China's motivations vis-a-vis the U.S. Review Biwu Zhang brings international relations theory and systematic data to the study of US-China relations in a way rarely seen. His cognitive approach to Chinese perceptions of America casts new light on whether China is a revisionist or status quo power, and his nuanced findings are of great relevance to policy makers and others inclined to exaggerate the 'China Threat.' Images of the United States as a partner, model, imperialist or declining power are all present in a fascinating brew that tells us much about the likely consequences of China's rise.--Kevin J. O'Brien, University of California, Berkeley This book gives a comprehensive assessment of the strategic relationship between the United States and China. Zhang explains why the relationship is often too complex for generic international relations theories to grasp. Ideal for students of international affairs.--Denny Roy, Senior Fellow, East-West Center, Honolulu This timely and important study is needed now more than any time in recent international history and Professor Zhang has matched his considerable scholarship with both the experience and the insights to bring us a sensitive and compelling account of a major influence on Sino-US relations in the early 21st century. This work is without doubt relevant, thorough and rigorous and the analysis provides the grounds for a far-sighted understanding of one of the permanent features of existing and emerging Great Power politics. For anyone interested in what lies beneath the daily headlines of world diplomacy, and looks to future possibilities, this learned book is indispensable.--Michael McKinley, senior lecturer, international relations and strategy, The Australian National University, Australia About the Author Biwu Zhang is deputy director of the Asia-Pacific Institute at the School of International Relations, Xiamen University, China.