United States China Policy

Abstract

Communism has taken over much of East Asia and poses a grave military and subversive threat to the free countries of the area. United States policy is aimed at counter ing this threat by deterring military aggression through a series of security pacts and the development of indigenous Free World military strength; strengthening the economies and the internal security of the free nations; and opposing any action which would contribute to Chinese Communist power to conquer or subvert. Essential to the policy of limiting the external political effectiveness of the Peiping regime is our support of the Republic of China. United States China policy has been strongly supported by the American people, but there have been expressions of doubt as to the validity of the policy for the future. A "two-Chinas" concept has sometimes been proposed as an alternative. However, the concept is vehemently op posed by both Peiping and Taipei. Even if it were practicable, its presumed advantages are highly questionable and its adop tion by the United States would seriously injure the Free World position in East Asia.

This article was written just prior to the renewal of the Chi nese Communist artillery bombardment of Quemoy on August 23 and therefore does not reflect events which have taken place since then. However, it remains an authoritative exposition of United States policy towards China.