Maintaining Regional Stability in the Asia-Pacific: United States Pacific Command Theater Security Cooperation Strategy with China.

摘要

China's continuing economic and military growth has many U.S. military strategists preoccupied with China's ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States' recent announcement of a strategic pivot toward the Asia-Pacific region confirms the concern with China's intended role on the global stage. However, China's 'National Defense in 2010' white paper suggests that it is on a 'path of peaceful development' and is committed to a 'harmonious world' based on cooperation and trust. A fruitful U.S.-China relationship should be maintained to prevent an incident or major conflict that could destabilize the Asia-Pacific region. This paper explains that anything less than a comprehensive Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) plan with China may result in increased tension between the two nations and cause future miscommunication and miscalculations that could disrupt the region. The paper recommends that the Commander, United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), implement a four-phase TSC plan designed to enhance the current relationship between the two countries to ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific theater of operations.