Publication

This paper examines China's policy of pursuing peace in its foreign relations. The author argues that aside from the country's rhetoric, there are practical reasons for China to avoid military conflict. She also contends that China is not building up its military as it is necessarily considering a conflict with the US or its neighbors, but so that it can win if conflict occurs. She suggests that this logic and the country's track record suggest that China’s preferred strategy might lie in maintaining peace, but also that there is no reason to think China will reduce its use of military, diplomatic, and economic coercion.