China Among Unequals: Asymmetric Foreign Relations in Asia

"China Among Unequals" presents asymmetry theory, a new paradigm for the study of international relations, derived from China's relationships with its neighbors and the world. The first collection of its kind, it brings together key writings on the theory and its applications to China's basic foreign policy, particularly towards the United States and the rest of Asia.

Starting with an exploration of the general theory of asymmetry, with particular attention given to such topics as human rights, soft power, regionalism, and asymmetric wars, the book then moves on to the fundamentals of China's external relations, looking at the complexities created by its scale and broad range of neighbors. Traditional imperial relationships are analyzed, as well as China's more recent emphasis on multipolarity. The third section deals with US China ties China's most important relationship, and the only one in which it is in the more vulnerable position. The final section treats in detail the relationships between China and its Asian neighbors, including Southeast Asia and the complicated multilateral situations of Korea and Taiwan.