Weapons Nonproliferation: Areas of U.S. - China Cooperation and Divergence

Liu Qing ia a visiting scholar at the U.S.-China Institute and will examine nonproliferation issues in Sino-U.S. relations for the last two decades.

Nonproliferation has been one of the more persistent and contentious issues in Sino-U.S. relations for the last two decades. On one hand, the continuing presence of nonproliferation has shown a considerable degree of convergences between two countries. On the other hand, they still have different preferences on this issue. This research aims to help explain the status quo of Sino-U.S. relations on nonproliferation. In conducting this analysis, several specific questions are considered. What are their major convergences? What are the factors motivating Sino-U.S. cooperation? What are their major differences? What has resulted in the divergency? To what extent do these elements account for their cooperation and divergency? In addition, the research discusses implications for both countries’ nonproliferation policy in the future. These issues are discussed principally at three levels. The first one focuses on international environments of nonproliferation. The second explores the interaction of Sino-U.S. relations on nonproliferation issues. The third examines the domestic context of each decision-making on nonproliferation policy.

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Liu Qing is a visiting scholar of USC U.S.-China Institute, a researcher of international relations at China Institute of International Studies. He received his Ph.D. in political science from Renmin University of China. Dr. Liu studies arms control and nonproliferation issues, regional security and Sino-U.S. relations. His articles have appeared in such journals as International Studies, Outlook Weekly, International Review, Journal of University of International Relations, and Contemporary World. His opinions have been published in major newspapers such as Guangming Daily and People’s Daily. He is a contributor of such books as Response and Security (Renmin University Press, 2005) and International Situation and China’s Diplomacy (World Affair Press, 2008). Dr. Liu is a member of China Arms Control and Disarmament Association.