The China Debate

Conflict is not an option - Editorials & Commentary - International Herald Tribune

Just days after Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has been touring Asia warning about the consequences of the growth of Chinese military capabilities, Henry Kissinger warns against a policy that is seen as confrontational with China.

The two men clearly agree on the significance of the issue. As Kissinger puts it:

"As a new century begins, the relations between China and the United States may well determine whether our children will live in turmoil even worse than the 20th century or whether they will witness a new world order compatible with universal aspirations for peace and progress."

But that's to a large extent the end of the agreement. The one sees military containment of China as the priority, while the other sees political engagement as the policy to be pursued.

Be certain that the debate will continue - and it's certainly an important one.