The Bush Administration and U.S. China Policy Debate-Reasons for Optimism

Abstract

The George W Bush administration has substantially adjusted US. policy toward Taiwan, in favor of Taiwan and US-Taiwan relations, while sustaining generally smooth and businesslike relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Bush policy s in accord with US. domestic forces in the ongoing US. China policy debate (e.g., Congress, the media) that are supportive of Taiwan and critical of China. The current administration s approach also meets the needs of US. business interests seeking greater involvement with the China market. Effective use of strong US. power and influence over the PRC should allow the Bush administration to continue a positive stance toward Taiwan without disrupting relations with Being. US. domestic forces pushing for more extreme and potentially disruptive US. positions in the ongoing US. China policy debate have been held in check by strong US. preoccupation with the war against terrorism.