Sphere of Influence

By looking at a map of Southeast Asia it's easy to see the geographical influence China can extend within the region. Just examining the number of common borders between China and other countries is astounding, especially from an American perspective where we only border Mexico and Canada.

China, in terms of land and population has an advantage over many of her neighbors and historically maintained a system of tribute as the dominant country in the region. China's influence waned during the "century of humiliation" where China was occupied and only recently has China been able to rebuild these ties.

In the meantime, while China was on decline and then rebuilding itself, the United States has been extending its sphere of influence around the world, both through economic trade and military power. The United States, unlike most other countries in the world, maintain US military bases around the world. The US influence came in part from their role in World War II and has extended into the twenty first century. Countries seeking aid from the US, like those in Central Asia, have been inclined to accept US military presence within their borders. With such a strong U.S. presence in Asia, China is likely concerned over U.S. influence in the region that they deem to be under their sphere.

As a means to extend its interest, China has entered into trade and other agreements with governments that the United States either fails to recognize or has imposed sanctions against as a way to gain a strategic influence. While the United States can offer a "shame, shame" on China's decision, it must maintain diplomatic and trade ties with China. The United States has positioned itself, right , wrong or indifferent, as a global policeman. Whereas China, up to now, has been content on strengthening their market and earning the respect of their neighbors. The PRC's core ideological differences with the United States, namely communism versus capitalism, has dwindled. While the United States would encourage movement in China, as it does throughout the world, towards democracy, the U.S./China relationship is too important to act with any force.

China's mission in developing relations with her neighbors is out of economic gain and not for the purpose of spreading communism, as the U.S. would have feared in the 1950's. Therefore the United States needs to stick to its ideological reasons for suppressing ties with countries it deems in opposition to U.S. ideology and allow China to make its own decisions. China has a careful line to walk as it reaches out to its neighbors while at the same time desperately seeking world respect. If the United States and the UN find a country unfavorable, China might want to think twice before entering into relations if it wants to maintain its world status.