initiatives , while diplomatic , informational , and economic concerns trail at a distance . This can lead to misinterpretation and mistrust , with Chinese leaders railing against efforts intended to build relations and improve cooperation and partnership . Thus , engagement must have a clear message , evenly communicated across all elements of national power , with the military in support .
Third , the United States has to include China in all international decisions and in development of world protocols and policy . 25 China cannot be allowed to act as a bystander on the world stage .
At present , China tends to use its policy of nonintervention in other nations ’ domestic affairs to avoid participating in efforts to maintain global stability . China sometimes stands on the sideline in world crises , criticizing others who attempt to bring order out of chaos . However , China can no longer reserve the right to complain while not putting a shoulder to the wheel if it is to gain the respect it desires . If China wants respect , it should be called out to become more engaged in the world community . It should be encouraged to partner with other nations to prevent or stabilize crises for the betterment of all . 26 Tellis points out in his study that the United States must persuade China to accept this .
Finally , in spite of the myriad areas of disagreement , Tellis identifies efforts in which China , its neighbors , and the United States can work together . Among them is cooperation in deepening trade links and combating terrorism .
All nations in the Asia-Pacific region benefit immensely from trade with one another . Expanding trade among nations can bring rewards for all participants . 27 Additionally , China , the United States , and their partners collectively remain vulnerable to terror groups . The United States has learned many lessons over the past decade that could assist China , which has a significant threat from radical Islam in its northwest provinces . The two countries and others in the region could partner to attack this common problem . Such cooperation could help break down barriers , build trust and rapport , and prevent China from misinterpreting the intent of other nations .
Conclusion
History is not a template that can be used to predict specific future events or outcomes . However , a review of the past can reveal patterns from which to consider today ’ s challenges . A cursory review of events demonstrates eerie similarities between imperial Germany of a century ago and China today . A sense of encirclement paranoia influenced the behavior of German leaders , leading to missteps that plunged the world into a devastating war . Based on my personal observation and a survey of published sources , China could be developing a similar delusion that the United States is leading an effort to contain it . The danger is that such a situation could lead to miscalculation and overreaction — unnecessary conflict .
Conflict is preventable if the United States uses all the instruments of national power to achieve a balance of power in which China is not constricted . A policy of balance should build up the U . S . economy as well as its partners , maintain U . S . military power , and take the focus off China . Inherent to the success of such a policy is reducing the sense among Chinese leaders that the United States is trying to contain it . The United States can accomplish this by communicating clearly its desire for mutual benefit .
Cultivating a partner in China — in conjunction with friends in the region — rather than an adversary may avert a collision that would prove devastating to all .
Biography Col . Michael J . Forsyth , U . S . Army , is the chief of staff of the Alaskan NORAD ( North American Aerospace Defense Command ) Region and Alaskan Command at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson , Alaska . He holds an MS in strategic studies from the U . S . Army War College and master ’ s degrees from the U . S . Army School of Advanced Military Studies and Louisiana State University . He previously commanded the 196th Infantry Brigade at Fort Shafter , Hawaii . Forsyth served four combat tours , one during Operation Desert Storm and three tours in Afghanistan . He is the author of three books about Civil War campaigns .
100 July-August 2016
MILITARY REVIEW