For Further Discussion
Chapter 1
1. The viewpoints by Lester R. Brown, Chenggang (Charles) Wang, and Wayne M.
Morrison discuss the food scarcity, environmental, and economic problems facing
China. According to the authors, in what ways are these three problems
related?
2. In Robert D. Kaplan’s view, how might each of the problems discussed in this chapter contribute to political instability in China?
Chapter 2
1. The U.S. Department of State argues that the Chinese government routinely
violates rights that U.S. citizens take for granted. Abuses listed in the
report include the arbitrary arrest and torture of citizens, censorship of the
press, and persecution of religious groups. However, Ming Wan argues that the
United States has ignored China’s “silent majority,” who, in her opinion, are
willing to accept restrictions on their freedom if it will help their nation
maintain political stability and achieve economic prosperity. In your opinion,
is Wan’s argument that the majority of Chinese people support their government
persuasive? Do you feel that U.S. condemnation of China’s human rights record
is appropriate? Why or why not?
2. After reading the viewpoints by Harry Wu and by the Chinese government, do you believe that China’s one-child policy is justified? Do you think that individuals have the right to have as many children as they want? Explain your answers.
3. Do you agree with William Saunders that trade sanctions should be imposed on China, or do you think David Dreier is correct in his argument that trade sanctions would most likely worsen China’s human rights record? Defend your answer with evidence from the text.
Chapter 3
1. Based on the viewpoints in this chapter, do you agree with Frank J. Gaffney
Jr. that the United States should work to “oppose the [Chinese] communist
regime and work on bringing about its downfall,” or do you feel that Henry
Kissinger is correct in his assertion that a new cold war between the United
States and China would be disastrous? Explain your answer.
2. Bates Gill and Michael O’Hanlon maintain that China’s military poses little real threat to the United States. Do any of the argu- ments made by Frank J. Gaffney Jr. or Mark Helprin persuade you that Gill and O’Hanlon could be wrong? If so, which ones?
Chapter 4
1. After reading the pair of viewpoints on Taiwan, do you agree with William
Kristol and Robert Kagan that the United States has a responsibility to
intervene should China attempt to take over Taiwan? Why or why not?
2. After reading the viewpoints in this chapter, do you agree with Robert W. Tracinski that the United States should “oppose, isolate, and undermine the current government of China,” or do you agree with Jerry J. Jasinowski that engaging China economically and politically is the best way to influence the country? Explain your answer.
3. Robert W. Tracinski believes that U.S. foreign policy toward China is based on “appeasement.” Chalmers Johnson argues that the main goal of U.S. foreign policy is to maintain U.S. “hegemony.” Describe what the authors mean by these terms. Do you feel that U.S. policy toward China is best described by either of these authors? Might the truth be somewhere in the middle? Explain.
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