America and China Mutual Cooperation?

“This paper examines the “String of Pearls” as an evolving maritime component of China’s grand national strategy and proposes a corresponding U.S. strategy in the context of U.S.-China relations in the global security environment. The “String of Pearls” is more than a naval or military strategy. It also is more than a regional strategy. It is a manifestation of China’s ambition to attain great power status and secure a self-determined, peaceful, and prosperous future. For the United States, a rising China presents great opportunity, but this opportunity is fraught with potential risks. With bold leadership and prudent foresight, the United States and China can reap the rewards of strategic cooperation and avert the calamity of a hostile confrontation.” (SSI File entitled, String of Pearls: …, by Christopher J. Pehrson)

The above quote is from a PDF file written for the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College. It is a 35 page analysis of the future interaction between the United States and Communist China.

I have to admit I have not as yet taken the time to read the whole file. I do intend to do so for Pehrson apparently offers options that he believes “… the United States and China can reap the rewards of strategic cooperation and avert the calamity of a hostile confrontation.”

I feel compelled to read Pehron’s String of Pearls because at this point I cannot envision such cooperation between America and Communist China.

Communist China is a totalitarian society that is flirting with a market-capitalist economic paradigm while maintaining State control of the lives and thoughts of its citizens. This is a society that is not compatible with America. The only political cooperation the two nations could possibly have is to stay out of each other’s sphere of influence. That may be more difficult for America than for China to comply with. America’s National Interests are global in scale which encompasses the Pacific regions of Southeast Asia. Japan and South Korea preeminently come into mind.

Both Japan and South Korea will not willingly bend to regional hegemonic dominion by Communist China.

China wishes to extend its influence of over oil markets. That means making friends with Iran, a rogue nation that is on tip of initiating a global war. Again, that does not line up with American National Interests.

Pehron’s observations should be of interest to all have a stake in America’s future. If read it before me, feel free to comment on here.