China's Global Activism: Implications for U.S. Security Interests
June 20, 2006
at
National Defense University
Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C
China’s rapid economic growth, increasingly sophisticated diplomacy, and military modernization efforts are supporting increased activism and expanded influence both within Asia and in other regions of the world. Within the span of a single generation, China has moved from near isolation to a hub of the globalized economy, from fielding a backward, bloated military to a much more professional force boasting pockets of high-tech excellence, and from hostility to global institutions to active participation in multilateral organizations such as the UNSC and WTO. As China’s power grows, Beijing will have more options in using economic, diplomatic, and military instruments to advance its national interests in East Asia and on the world stage. With increased power and influence come increased responsibilities and the potential for clashes of interest with the U.S. and other great powers. China may assume the role of a responsible stakeholder in the international system, but that outcome is not certain. China’s choice of how to exercise its increasing global influence will affect its Asian neighbors and the world community.
This conference is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive assessment of China’s increased regional and global activism, the policy choices Chinese leaders face, the implications of increasing Chinese influence and activism for U.S. security interests, and policy options to influence outcomes in directions favorable for U.S. interests.
Featured speakers include senior government officials involved in establishing and managing defense and security policy and a wide range of defense experts. This symposium will be of interest to specialists in national security affairs in and out of government, military officers, the diplomatic and attaché corps, and members of the media. A detailed agenda is available at: http://www.ndu.edu/inss/symposia/pacific2006/agenda.htm.
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