Should the Chinese worry about American military existence in the west Pacific?

The Chinese government seems not at ease with the American military presence in the west Pacific Ocean, for America looks not friendly to the Communist China in the recent history: America supported the rival of the Communists during the civil war in China (1946 -1949). In addition, America had the Korean War (1950 -1953) and the Vietnam War (1954 -1975), both were China related, more or less.

The Chinese people should look the bright side regarding the American military presence in the west Pacific. During World War II (1939 – 1945), had American military not been present in this region and blocked Japan from getting the resources it desperately needed, Japan might not have to wage the Pacific War (1941 – 1945) with America. The Japanese invaded China and believed they could conquer the Chinese, for the Chinese had already been conquered by Mongolian in 1279 and Manchu in 1644 before. The Chinese Communist Party over exaggerates its merits for repelling the Japanese out of China. In fact, the decisive battles were won by the Americans and the Russians.

China is pursuing its mighty economy and military success, and I give my good wishes as long as its people and others are no longer hurt. However, I believe that, without political freedom, the success of economy and military could not bring a blessing to the Chinese people and others. Remember, the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979 and the June Fourth Massacre in 1989, the main beneficiary from those bloodsheds was Deng Xiaoping (1904 – 1997). The Chinese Communist Party takes all credits for the China’s economy booming, and hardly mentions its benefit from the economic globalization advocated by the neoliberalism. Adam Smith (1723 – 1790), the founder of the classic liberalism, believed that the government cannot make wealth, but market can, such as, goods, labor, and trade. Regarding the government with few roles in economy, he further pointed out that the monetary reserve could not increase the national wealth. Keynesian has a different view on the role of government, though.

In retrospect, there are numbers of booming economy and strong military periods in China, but such periods were usually short termed. The Chinese Golden Age in the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) is the Chinese’s favorite, while few Chinese know of the Islamic Golden Age (750 -1258), it had achieved more than the Chinese golden ages’ in many aspects. The Chinese Golden Age virtually ended after the An Shi Rebellion (755 – 763). Emperor Tang Xuanzong – Li Longji (685 – 762) took reign from 712 to 756, and reached the culmination of its golden age. During the An Shi Rebellion, the Chinese suffered chaos so bad that they even could not protect its capital, Chang’an; the Tibetans dishonored a peace treaty with Tang Dynasty and captured Tang’s capital for fifteen days in 763. The kingdom of Tibet only held the treaty accountable when the Chinese Tang Dynasty was strong. Note that the current Tibet issue is actually an effect after the Great Game, which mainly involved the region by the British and the Russians in 1907, even back to the year1813.

After World War I (1914 – 1918), as Germany recovered and succeeded both in economy and military, so did Japan. However, America was in the deep trouble of the Great Depression (1929 -1939). Total recovery for America was not achieved until the 1950s. The Great Depression was much worse than the current recession in 2008 and America’s military was not as strong as the Axis, but America had a better political system, and finally prevailed in both European and Pacific theaters. The mighty, from economy and military but lack of political freedom, just could not remain longer. Furthermore, the Might makes Right was not the only theme in the Melian Dialogue. Comparing to the Axis, America has a more reliable introspection system. This system includes, but not limits to: checks and balances, the writ of Habeas corpus (Latin means “that you have the body”), freedom of speech, and suffrage for its citizens.

The American people have had a long anti-war history, fighting only when they feel a real threat. There are many anti-war activists during every single American-involved war, including the American Civil War. Not always invading, America also protected other countries as a world leader. Zhang Hanzi (1935 -2008), the English interpreter for Richard Nixon (1913 – 1994, his presidency during 1969 – 1974), once recalled during Nixon’s visit to China in 1972 that an American officer suggested America would like to provide or assist the security for China. However, Zhou Enlai (1898 – 1976) dismissed that topic. This incident shows American’s goodwill. I don’t know the reasons that caused Zhou to reject America’s proposal. A guess is because of the Chinese sovereignty awareness, and I respect it. But the fact is, after Nixon’s visit, Chinese and Americans did establish close military ties resulting from their mutual interests.

I would like to see the Chinese government initiate a reasonable political reform, while it achieves reform in economy and military. A much fairer political system is good for both the Chinese people and their international affairs.