China as a factor in the evolution of “China-U.S.-(Soviet Union) Russian Strategic Triangle”

Guo Cheng,Qun Yin

doi:10.34069/ai/2020.26.02.37

Abstract

The study objectives of this research work is to survey the China’s diplomacy in the evolution of trilateral relations between China, the U.S. and Russia (the Soviet Union). The research methodology is based on a complex combination of scientific methods in a chronological order, mainly analytical, empirical, systematic, comparative, situational, narrative, and descriptive. The scientific novelty of this article is to provide the general observation of the key period of the historical evolution process of the existing strategic triangle in a large-scale timeline, meanwhile reveal the significant connection between domestic politics of single factor and trilateral relations within this triangle. The obtained conclusions can be applied in managing more stable and positive trilateral relations in complexity of international relations and comtemporary global politics, by defining the features of the modern strategic triangle and each countries’ role inside, indicating rising China’s new role and foreign policy direction in a new era.

Highlights

Domestic politics and diplomacy are two factors of great relevance in the contemporary political science
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States in 1979, China's diplomatic strategy can be divided into five stages under the framework of the Sino-US(Soviet Union) Russian strategic triangle
The strategic triangle’s triple corners had checks and balances, this characteristic did not exist in the trilateral relations between China, Russia, and the United States in the post Cold War era, the China-U.S.Soviet strategic triangle affected the entire world, while the impact of modern China-U.S.-Russia trilateral relations is not completely global, mainly in Asia and Europe

Summary

Introduction

Domestic politics and diplomacy are two factors of great relevance in the contemporary political science. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States in 1979, China's diplomatic strategy can be divided into five stages under the framework of the Sino-US(Soviet Union) Russian strategic triangle. Today, this big game beyond the strategic triangle continues, the change of each player’s role and status in the triangle would cause the dramatic change of the bilateral and trilateral relations. The research goal has determined the following objectives: 1) to observe the evolution of trilateral relations and changes in the strategic triangle; 2) to reveal how domestic politics could affect each factor’s foreign policy during certain period; 3) to analyze the features of the strategic triangle; 4) to demonstrate China’s diplomacy direction with the triangle in a long run. Milner made a comparatively comprehensive basic review of the research on the relationship between international relations and comparative politics [Milner, 1998]

Methodology

Results and discussion

Conclusion