Cooperation or Conflict in the Taiwan Strait? / Edition 1

by Ralph N. Clough

Overview

The 1996 deployment of two U.S. carrier battle groups to the waters off Taiwan in response to the firing of Chinese missiles close to Taiwan’s shores brought home suddenly the genuine danger of a military clash between the United States and China over the Taiwan issue. In this timely book, distinguished analyst Ralph N. Clough assesses the intractable differences between Beijing and Taipei over the status of Taiwan, the rise and growing strength of an opposition party advocating Taiwan independence, and Beijing’s threat to use military force to prevent independence. At the same time, he weighs the moderating influence of investment and trade across the Taiwan Strait and the reopening of cross-strait dialogue.

The author warns against a U.S. commitment to intervene militarily against any Chinese use of force, which could encourage Taiwan to expect U.S. backing if it declared independence; nor should Washington renounce military intervention, which would give the PRC a free hand. Instead, Clough argues for a policy of ambiguity, providing the United States the flexibility to intervene militarily or not as circumstances dictate and at the same time giving more active approval and support to cooperation between the people and governments on both sides of the strait.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780847693269
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	01/21/1999
Series:	Asia in World Politics
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	5.96(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.49(d)

About the Author

Ralph N. Clough is a former director for Chinese affairs in the Department of State and currently a professorial lecturer at the School of Advanced International Studies, The Johns Hopkins University.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Cornell Alumnus Attends School Reunion Chapter 2 Shifting Emphasis in U.S.-PRC-Taiwan Relations Chapter 3 The Political Impasse Chapter 4 People-to-People Activities Chapter 5 Pragmatic Diplomacy and Democratic Politics Chapter 6 Managing the China-Taiwan Problems Chapter 7 The Role of the United States Chapter 8 Bibliography Chapter 9 Annex 1: Jiang Zemin's Eight Points Chapter 10 Annex 2: Lee Teng-hui's Six Points Chapter 11 Annex 3: Excerpts from Lee Teng-hui's Inaugural Address, MAy 20, 1996 Chapter 12 Index

Editorial Reviews

The book is well researched and written. It provides a very good analysis of the Taiwan issue that will be of use to both the seasoned student of Chinese-Taiwan relations as well as those looking for a succint survey of the issue.

Journal of Strategic Studies

[Clough's] approach is a sensible and informed one, from which all parties can benefit.

RUSI Journal

Ralph Clough's Cooperation or Conflict in the Taiwan Strait? is a welcome and timely addition to the literature on the Taiwan issue. Just as conflict over Taiwan once again threatens regional stability, Clough provides an authoritative study of theconflict's sources and ramifications. He [Ralph Clough] offers a comprehensive and judicious analysis of the interests of China, Taiwan and the United States. Cooperation or Conflict in the Taiwan Strait? will prove helpful to teachers seekinga well-written and balanced reading for students on the Taiwan issue and to specialists seeking an authorative analysis of recent developments. Its appendix includes important policy documents...

The China Journal - Robert Ross

A remarkably comprehensive, thoroughly balanced account of the China-Taiwan relationship to date, with recommendations for future U.S. policies that should have broad appeal. In this work, a wealth of data is combined with consistently thoughtful evaluation of that data.

Robert A. Scalapino

This book is well-written, to-the-point, conveniently organized, and sufficiently detailed to provide a wealth of information for scholars while not overwhelming the casual reader. All in all, Cooperation or Conflict deserves a place on the bookshelf for anyone interested in Chinese or Asian Affairs.

China Review International

This timely book, written by a veteran diplomat and astute observer, underscores a dilemma in international politics and American foreign policy in the post–Cold War 'new world order.'.. . This book is to be commended for its balanced analysis of the intractable China-Taiwan problem. Its policy recommendations for managing this dilemma, in which the U.S. has great stakes, are sensible.. .. This book's greatest contribution to the field is the author's painstaking documentation of incidents of cooperation.

Journal of Asian Studies

[Clough's] approach is a sensible and informed one, from which all parties can benefit.

Rusi Journal

The book is well researched and written. It provides a very good analysis of the Taiwan issue that will be of use to both the seasoned student of Chinese-Taiwan relations as well as those looking for a succint survey of the issue.

Journal Of Strategic Studies

This timely book, written by a veteran diplomat and astute observer, underscores a dilemma in international politics and American foreign policy in the post–Cold War 'new world order.'. . . This book is to be commended for its balanced analysis of the intractable China-Taiwan problem. Its policy recommendations for managing this dilemma, in which the U.S. has great stakes, are sensible. . . . This book's greatest contribution to the field is the author's painstaking documentation of incidents of cooperation.

Journal Of Asian Studies

Ralph Clough's Cooperation or Conflict in the Taiwan Strait? is a welcome and timely addition to the literature on the Taiwan issue. Just as conflict over Taiwan once again threatens regional stability, Clough provides an authoritative study of the conflict's sources and ramifications.

He [Ralph Clough] offers a comprehensive and judicious analysis of the interests of China, Taiwan and the United States.

Cooperation or Conflict in the Taiwan Strait? will prove helpful to teachers seeking a well-written and balanced reading for students on the Taiwan issue and to specialists seeking an authorative analysis of recent developments. Its appendix includes important policy documents.
— Robert Ross, Boston College

The China Journal