book
Solving the dilemma in China policy : 1978-1979 : a case study of normalization of U.S.-China relations and the Taiwan relations act /
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- Title
- Solving the dilemma in China policy : 1978-1979 : a case study of normalization of U.S.-China relations and the Taiwan relations act /
- Author/Creator
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Hao, Yufan
- Publisher
- UMI
- Publisher Date
- 1990.
- Description
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This study examines the agreements to normalize U.S.-China relations signed in December 1978 and the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) passed in April 1979, and the rationality or irrationality of concluding two documents with seeming contradictions within four months.
The study analyzes why and how the normalization agreements and the passage of the TRA occurred at that time and took the form that they did. It analyzes the various factors and the processes on the U.S. side that led to these two actions, which were unavoidably connected, and it also examines the relationships between the two actions. The overall goal is to provide a better understanding of how U.S. institutional mechanisms helped in resolving the inconsistent interests affecting China policy in the 1978-79 period and the way in which various domestic political forces, groups, individuals and institutions shaped the process.
Two hypotheses are examined in the study. One is that the existence of conflicting interests in American policy toward China in the late 1970s was the fundamental reason that led, first, to the agreement on normalization of U.S.-China relations, and then to the passage of the TRA. The strategic U.S. interest in achieving a counterbalance to the Soviet Union was a primary motive for proceeding to normalize relations with the People's Republic of China, but long standing U.S. interests in Taiwan limited the United States' willingness and ability to alter its ties with Taiwan. Together, these two actions represented an attempt to resolve these conflicts of interest.
The second hypothesis examined is that unique American domestic institutions, political forces, and policy making processes were decisive factors in shaping the particular form and content of the normalization agreements and the TRA.
The study argues that the results in this case were favorable for U.S. interests, since the TRA supplemented the normalization agreements by protecting American interests in Taiwan. While the disadvantages of the institutional fragmentation and diffusion of authority in the U.S. political system are discussed, this study argues that, under certain circumstances including those affecting this case, American institutional arrangements can be advantageous in reconciling conflicting interests in foreign policy-making in a non-crisis situation.
- Subject
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United States--Foreign relations--China
China--Foreign relations--United States
United States--Foreign relations--Taiwan
Taiwan--Foreign relations--United States
- Library URL
- 991000332149706306
