Has American Policy Encouraged China to Become a Responsible Stakeholder-Or the Reverse?

Abstract

This paper explores the intricate evolution of the relationship between the United States (U.S.) and China, with a focus on American policies influencing Chinas role as a responsible stakeholder (RS). It examines whether U.S. engagement policies have catalyzed Chinas emergence as a responsible global player or steered Beijing in a direction contrary to U.S. expectation. This paper first reveals the historical evolution of U.S.-China relations, starting with the containment policy in the 1950s to the post-1989 engagement policy. Then it examines the perspectives of the U.S. and China on RS. Both sides share the same bed but with different dreams. Next, the paper identifies the failures and successes of U.S. engagement policy. The paper concludes that engagement policy is not a complete failure and the result is nuanced.