Quick Fire: In the event that the tiny island nation of Taiwan is attacked by a foreign aggressor, what should America’s response be to the conflict?

Brief History of USA-China Relations USA backs pro-capitalists in Chinese Civil War (1943-49) After WWII the Japanese were driven from China. Since there was no longer an emperor, a civil war began between Communist and Capitalist forces. The USA actively backed and supplied the capitalist forces. The Communist forces lead by Mao Zedong won the civil war. The capitalist forces lead by Chiang Ki-Shek, escaped to the island of Taiwan and set up a rival Chinese government. The USA allied with Taiwan and supported it economically and militarily.

Brief History of USA-China Relations Richard Nixon and Détente (1973-1999) Communist China and Soviet Union end alliance and fight a border war. President Nixon declares Détente, or an “easing of tensions” with China. USA recognizes Communist Chinese government as the legitimate Chinese government. China admitted to the UN and given seat on the Security Council. Taiwan becomes “observer.” USA begins to official trade with China.

Taiwan Becomes an Asian Tiger Taiwan overcomes the dictatorship of the Kuomintang (KMT) (leftovers of Chiang Ki-Shek’s military) and becomes fully democratic in the 1990s. The KMT adopted a pro-Western Capitalist economy in the 1960s It adopted a democratic system at a local and regional level in the 1970s By the 1990s it is considered an Asian Tiger Economy, a western-allied booming capitalist economy. General Chiang Ki-Shek

The USA “stands” by and “ally” The USA actively trades with Taiwan The USA also actively sells military technology to Taiwan The USA has warned China not to use for against Taiwan The USA has warned Taiwan not to alter its status or provoke China

Sources of Conflict

Foreign Policy What is foreign policy? Foreign policy is the strategic approach the USA takes when dealing with its neighbors in the World Community.

USA and China Hu Jintao & Obama In the last decade China has gone from an isolated Cold World hangover to an economic, political, and military powerhouse. The USA can no longer afford to ignore this emerging giant. The USA must re-evaluate how US-Chinese relations are conducted abroad.

Foreign Policy Pundits! The U.S. State Dept. needs your help! You have been tapped to be foreign policy experts. You will prepare a foreign policy position to present the Secretary of State.

Foreign Policy Option 1: Isolationism Isolationism: The United States should keep it’s nose out of other countries’ business and take care of problems at home first. No dog in the fight? Then it’s not our fight. Rationale: why might you argue this? Examples?

Foreign Policy Option 2: Moral Interventionism Moral Interventionism: The United States has an obligation as a leader in the world community to use its power and influence on behalf of its allies and neighbors. The strong should help the weak. Rationale: why might you argue this? Examples?

Foreign Policy Option 3: Collective Security Collective Security: The United States be strong economic, political, and military partners with its allies. Safety in numbers. What affects one affects us all. Rationale: why might you argue this? Examples?

Foreign Policy Option 4: Imperialism Imperialism: The United States assert its power and influence abroad wherever it has an interest. The biggest dog rules the pack. Rationale: why might you argue this? Examples?

Primary Source Activity Determine which foreign policy position each excerpt falls under. Based on the excerpt, what might have been happening during that time in American history? What is a lesson that can be learned from that president’s use of this foreign policy position ? What would this president have done in the event of a war between Taiwan and China?

In conclusion… Which foreign policy position do you most favor toward Taiwan and China? How might you change, modify, or combine approaches? Why do you believe this is the best approach?