U.S.-Chinese relations : perilous past, pragmatic present / Robert G. Sutter.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 317-322) and index.

Patterns of American-Chinese relations prior to World War II -- Relations during World War II, Cilvil war, Cold war -- Rapprochement and normalization -- Tiananmen, Taiwan, and post-Cold war realities, 1989-2000 -- U.S.-China policy priorities and implications for relations in the twenty-first century -- An emerging U.S.-China equilibrium in the twenty-first century -- Security issues in contemporary U.S.-China relations -- Economic and environmental issues in contemporary U.S.-China relations -- Taiwan issues in contemporary U.S.-China relations -- Issues of human rights in contemporary U.S.-China relations -- Outlook: continued positive equilibrium amid differences and suspicions.

An examination of foreign relations between the United States and China, discussing relations during wars, policy priorities and implications, security issues, human rights, and other topics.

This comprehensive and lucid assessment of the historical and contemporary determinants of Sino-American relations explains the conflicted engagement between the two governments. Offering a welcome richness of discussion and analysis, distinguished analyst Robert G. Sutter explores the twists and turns of the relationship over the past two hundred years. The mixed historical record convincingly shows that strong differences and mutual suspicions persist, only partly overridden by a mutual pragmatism that shifts with circumstances. Sutter judiciously considers the evolution and status of current areas of convergence and divergence in the relationship. He identifies key domestic and international factors that have led to the current positive but fragile equilibrium and what is at stake for the respective interests of the United State and China and for international stability. As the only book on the subject that combines a unified assessment of the historical evolution, contemporary status, and likely prospects of U.S.-Chinese relations, this balanced and pragmatic study will be an essential resource for all concerned with the globe's most crucial bilateral partnership.