The evolution of post-war China–US relations and the Asia–Pacific security order

Abstract

The paper seeks to explore the special impact of the evolution of China–US relations on the Asia–Pacific security order after the Second World War. The Asia–Pacific security order includes three levels: China–US strategic relations, the US-led military alliance system, and multilateral and bilateral security mechanisms. The evolution of the Asia–Pacific security order, with the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the US as a landmark event, has gone through two historical stages. The first stage was characterized by confrontation and the second stage is characterized by a shift from confrontation to cooperation. The most crucial factor in the second stage is the China–US relationship, the establishment of which has brought 4 decades of peace and stability to the Asia–Pacific region. The China–US relationship has constantly seen disputes, even bitter ones, as well as historical opportunities for cooperation. The two countries are never short of reasons for either confrontation or cooperation. The key to the choice between confrontation and cooperation lies in the hands of the elites of the two countries. Whether the political elites can gain insights and steer the direction of the relationship is decided by their conscious effort, foresight, sensitivity to opportunities, and capacity to shape the strategic environment.