US-China Relations Updates

“Overreach: How China Derailed Its Peaceful Rise” is a book written by Susan L. Shirk, a former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State responsible for relations with China. In the book, Shirk argues that China’s recent assertiveness in foreign policy has derailed its “peaceful rise” strategy, which aimed to establish China as a global superpower while avoiding conflict with other nations.

Shirk details how China’s leaders, particularly under President Xi Jinping, have pursued a more aggressive foreign policy, including territorial disputes in the South China Sea, cyber espionage, and economic coercion. She argues that these actions have undermined China’s soft power and reputation, and have led to a growing backlash from other countries.

Shirk also explores the domestic factors driving China’s foreign policy, including nationalism, the influence of the military, and the Communist Party’s need to maintain social and political control. She argues that these factors have led to a more hardline approach to foreign policy, and have made it difficult for China to pursue a more collaborative and cooperative approach to international relations.

Overall, “Overreach” provides a critical analysis of China’s recent foreign policy and its impact on global politics. Shirk argues that China’s assertiveness has undermined its peaceful rise strategy and has created new challenges for international relations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of China’s rise and its impact on global affairs.