Backgrounder posted January 19, 2012 by Lisa Curtis, Derek Scissors, Ph.D.
The Limits of the Pakistan-China Alliance
Abstract: After the U.S. raid on Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan in May 2011, Pakistani political leaders played up their country’s relations with China, touting Beijing as an alternative partner to Washington. But China’s concerns over Pakistan’s future stability will likely limit the…
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WebMemo posted November 23, 2011 by Walter Lohman
Follow-Through on Obama’s Successful Asia Swing Critical
Unlike his predecessors, President Barack Obama came into office with a head of positive steam on China, focused on the need for Chinese partnership in addressing common global challenges, such as economic recovery, the environment, and nuclear proliferation. Disappointed in these areas and challenged by Chinese military modernization…
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Backgrounder posted October 14, 2011 by Dean Cheng
Getting Serious About Taiwan’s Air Power Needs
Abstract: Under the clear terms of the Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. is obligated to make available the hardware and services necessary for Taiwan's defense. This obligation is a critical component of U.S. policy in the Western Pacific, as it ensures that, in the…
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WebMemo posted September 14, 2011 by Dean Cheng
Does the White House See the Same China DOD Does?
The Department of Defense (DOD) finally released its 2011 report on Chinese military and security developments, the Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China.[1] The report, which is several months late, details the latest developments in the Chinese security situation, including the People’s Liberation Army…
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Backgrounder posted July 11, 2011 by Dean Cheng
Sea Power and the Chinese State: China’s Maritime Ambitions
Abstract: The expansion of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is in many ways a logical and even forgone conclusion. China is the world’s second-largest economy; its heavy dependence on trade inevitably makes the seas of growing importance to national well-being. Yet as China’s…
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