PEKING FOREIGN-POLICY CONUNDRUM SINCE TIENANMEN - PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE VS PEACEFUL EVOLUTION

Since the Tienanmen crisis of 1989 mainland China has pursued a two-track foreign policy. One track has entailed a defensive policy of countering "peaceful evolution " and has been reflected principally in relations with the United States. The other track has been an offensive policy of "peaceful coexistence" and has been manifest in Peking's dealings with the rest of the world, particularly the other G-7 countries and Asian neighbors. This two-track policy is partly a result of the dichotomous policies of the United States and other nations toward mainland China, and thus Peking's policy is as much reactive as proactive. Peking's foreign policy since 1989 has been successful in overcoming the international ostracism and sanctions imposed in the wake of Tienanmen, and has resulted in several foreign policy gains. At the same time, domestic politics in the United States and mainland China has resulted in a generally deteriorating relationship between these two countries. This article explores the principal reasons for this dichotomy in mainland China's foreign relations, and the potential for this state of affairs to continue. It analyzes the differing reactions of various countries to Tienanmen and their varying national interests and approaches vis-a-vis mainland China, and concludes that differing national missions result in differing policies. It finds that the United States is seriously out of step with its allies and other nations with respect to China policy, but foresees that this reality will continue given the intrinsic nature of Sino-American relations.