Discussion of 'The Chinese Security Concept and its Historical Evolution'

Abstract

China's strategic ambition and security strategy have attracted a great deal of international attention lately, and there is disagreement about China's intentions. Clearly, the Chinese could help clear up many misperceptions about their strategic ambitions simply by publishing a national security document like those published by the United States and other powers. Without the presence of such a document, there will always be questions about strategic capabilities and intentions that will lead to unproductive speculation. Fortunately, Wu Baiyi's paper helps us to better understand China's current, and possibly future, security strategy along with its historical context. Colonel Russ Howard generally agrees with Wu Baiyi's findings. He agrees with Wu's interpretation of Beijing's security goals and tasks in the paper's first section, though he differs from Wu on China's ability to achieve them. Colonel Howard also considers Wu's historical analysis in the second section basically correct. Also, Colonel Howard views Wu's description of China's current security challenges to be 'a refreshing departure from other—more homogenous—descriptions'. However, he does not agree with Wu's generally optimistic view of the international security landscape. Finally, Colonel Howard agrees with Wu Baiyi's conclusions: China's security strategy is much more than its diplomatic strategy. A comprehensive security strategy architecture, as Wu correctly points out, includes not only a diplomatic component but defense, political, and economic components as well. At present, Beijing's leaders have in effect adopted the old Clinton campaign slogan, 'it's the economy, stupid', which recognizes that economic growth is more important in achieving China's security strategy than were the diplomatic and military initiatives of the past.