Rowman & Littlefield Publishers China's Asia: Triangular Dynamics since the Cold War (Asia in World Politics)

This balanced and deeply informed book provides a comprehensive account of China's Asia policy since the Cold War. Lowell Dittmer traces the PRC's policy toward its Asian neighbors in the context of the country's move from a developing nation to a great power, capable of playing a role in world politics commensurate with its remarkable economic rise. The author considers China's bilateral relations with Russia, Central Asia, South and Southeast Asia, and Australia. Each of these relationships is also viewed in terms of China's rivalry with the United States, which has viewed China's rise with admiration tinged with a certain foreboding. Thus, Dittmer employs a triangular analysis to understand Beijing's attempt to expand in Asia while at the same time deterring Washington's interference. Reframing the international relations of Asia in a thought-provoking and informed manner, this important book presents a panoramic view of the dynamics at work on all sides of China. Review This timely book by Lowell Dittmer, one of the most experienced Asia watchers, provides important insights into the dynamics shaping Asian international relations. . . . the triangle model and impressive empirical breath of this book constitute important and very timely contributions to the study of Chinese foreign policy, Asian international politics, and international relations theory. It is a highly recommended read for those who research on these topics or teach related courses at different university levels.--Pacific Affairs China's Asia is a sophisticated and important examination of China's management of triangular relationships around its periphery. These relationships involve Beijing, one of its Asian neighbors, and the United States. Chinese leader Xi Jinping sees his country's natural role as dominant and views the United States as fighting to undermine or prevent that dominance. Chinese regional policy, therefore, becomes a protracted series of triangular contests with a Washington unreconciled to diminished influence. Beijing may eventually overplay its hand, but these triangular engagements likely will become the energizer of Asia's international politics for decades to come. For the next period, Dittmer argues, 'China is likely to get what it wants.' The question is: At what cost to all involved?--David M. Lampton, The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies Lowell Dittmer, in his usual clear manner, provides a concise and useful look at the way China views Asia. A very timely work.--Joseph Fewsmith, Boston University Following his classic work on the strategic triangle among China, the United States, and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, Lowell Dittmer discovers a new triangle among China, the rest of Asia, and the United States in the post-Cold War world. China's Asia is a remarkable tour de force exploring the evolving foreign policy behavior of China as a rising power in relationships with the major power players in Asia, including the United States, Japan, ASEAN, and Australia, since the end of the Cold War. This is an insightful and a timely work to help us understand how an increasingly powerful China has conducted its foreign relations in the most dynamic area of the world. This lucid yet authoritative book will be of particular interest to students of Chinese foreign policy as well as informed general readers.--Suisheng Zhao, University of Denver; editor of the Journal of Contemporary China This is a timely and illuminating study of China's rising role in Asia. From the South Sea Islands to the Belt Road Initiative, we see an increasingly engaged and assertive China. Lowell Dittmer offers a clear and compelling account of the causes and potential consequences of this momentous development.--Elizabeth J. Perry, Harvard University About the Author Lowell Dittmer is professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley, and editor of Asian Survey.