China's Coming War with Asia

China?s ambition is to rise peacefully. Avoiding fierce conflicts with its Asian neighbors is essential to this goal. Jonathan Holslag makes a brilliant case for the geopolitical dilemma facing the rising China, and his argument that China will likely enter into major conflict with Asia is compelling and thoughtful. Both Chinese experts and decision-makers will find this book illuminating reading.

Asia is set for another great power war. As China?s influence spreads beyond its territorial borders and its global aspirations gain momentum, so tensions with its neighbors are reaching breaking point. In this clear-sighted book, Jonathan Holslag debunks the myth of China?s peaceful rise, arguing instead that China?s policy of shrewd intransigence towards other Asian countries will inevitably result in serious conflict.

China?s ambitions are not malicious. But what China wants ? namely to maximize its security and prosperity ? will lead to a huge power imbalance, where China towers above her neighbors, impels them into unequal partnerships, and is increasingly able to seize disputed territory. At present, China?s focused and uncompromising pursuit of its own interests is bearing fruit. Many of China?s neighbors are still too weak to counter Beijing?s influence, and China has ably exploited divisions between them to divide and rule. But several regional powers are now joining forces to stop China. With the PRC unlikely to back down and nationalism riding high, China?s coming war with Asia is already in the making.

Review

In China?s Coming War with Asia, Jonathan Holslag explains why a rising China cannot help but become a revisionist power. As Beijing grows stronger, it will seek greater influence over key global institutions, strive to reduce the U.S. role in Asia, and attempt to alter the regional order in Asia in its favor. His analysis is nuanced and his tone is measured, but his conclusions are far-reaching, ominous, and compelling. The book is a must-read for anyone who wants to see beyond today?s headlines and get a glimpse of the more dangerous future that lies ahead. Stephen M. Walt, Harvard Kennedy School

China?s ambition is to rise peacefully. Avoiding fierce conflicts with its Asian neighbors is essential to such goals. Jonathan Holslag makes a brilliant case for the geopolitical dilemma facing the rising China, and his argument that China will likely enter into major conflict with Asia is compelling and thoughtful. Both Chinese experts and decision-makers will find this book illuminating reading. Men Honghua, Central Party School, China

An intellectually challenging and well-written argument by one of Europe?s brightest young Asia hands that Asia is doomed to war because China?s aspirations and the expectations of its Asian neighbors are irreconcilable. Well worth reading even by those who believe that smart diplomacy can preserve peace. Susan L. Shirk, School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, UC-San Diego"The book.

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. provides a very timely and readable account of the challenges China, the region, and the United States face related to ChinaÂs rise."H-Net Reviews