Understanding China’s Foreign Policy Crisis Behavior

The standoff between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea has further increased suspicions regarding the rise of China and regional security. As the United States claims to "rebalance towards Asia," the diplomatic and military crises between China and its neighbors will inevitably involve US interests in the Asia-Pacific. Therefore, the author of this policy brief argues that understanding the dynamics of China’s foreign policy crisis behavior, as in when China will take risks to escalate conflict and when China will avoid risks to seek accommodation, is crucial for US policy makers.

Download: