战略与国际研究中心-China-Economic-Brief_-Issues-for-the-New-Administration-and-Congress_7页_114kb

China Economic Brief Summary

Core Content

This China Economic Brief published in February 2001 provides a comprehensive overview of key economic issues between the United States and China, focusing on the implications for the new administration and Congress. It highlights the importance of Sino-U.S. economic relations in the context of global and international dynamics, as well as China's domestic reforms and political institutions.

Main Points and Key Information

1. China-U.S. Economic Relations

• The U.S.-China economic relationship is central to the new administration and Congress, especially with China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its growing trade surplus with the U.S.
• The U.S. should support China's economic reforms and development, including its adherence to international economic commitments.
• The U.S. needs to address China's perception that Washington is trying to block its rise as an economic power.
• The U.S. should provide more systematic technical assistance to China and apply safeguards negotiated as part of its WTO accession carefully.

2. China's Internal Economic Reforms

• China has made significant economic progress since the start of its market reforms two decades earlier.
• However, further reforms are needed to address broader issues of globalization and pluralization, including the rule of law and democratization.
• The reforms have contributed to China's economic growth and stability but have not led to democratization.

3. China in the World Economy

• China is expected to become the world's third-largest economy and second-largest international trader within two decades if current trends continue.
• Its orderly integration into the global economy offers significant benefits to the U.S. and other countries.
• However, risks and potential downsides must be closely monitored to prevent adverse impacts on Sino-U.S. relations.

4. China's Membership in Multilateral Economic Institutions

• China's role in multilateral institutions is characterized as a “system maintainer” rather than a “system transformer.”
• The U.S. should work to address specific issues without undermining the broader relationship.
• Compliance with international economic agreements is essential for China's continued integration into the global economy.

5. China's Political Institutions and Legal System

• Political and legal reforms since the late 1970s have not democratized China but have supported economic growth.
• The U.S. should consider how to engage with China's political system in a way that promotes stability and cooperation.
• There is a need for further reforms to manage the challenges of globalization and political pluralization.

Appendix and Contributors

• Appendix A provides a historical overview of Sino-U.S. economic and trade relations.
• The brief was authored by a team of experts, including:
  • Gerrit W. Gong: Freeman Chair in China Studies at CSIS, with experience in U.S. foreign policy and East Asia.
  • Pieter Bottelier: International economist and China scholar with a long history at the World Bank.
  • Nicholas R. Lardy: Senior fellow at Brookings Institution, specializing in the Chinese economy.
  • Margaret M. Pearson: Associate professor at the University of Maryland, with publications on China's WTO accession.
  • Minxin Pei: Senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment, focusing on political change in China.

Conclusion

The China Economic Brief underscores the strategic importance of the U.S.-China economic relationship in the 21st century. It calls for a balanced approach that supports China's continued reform and development while addressing potential risks and ensuring compliance with international norms. The document emphasizes the need for cooperation and dialogue to manage the complex interplay of economic and political factors between the two nations.