TheResurgenceofthePro-TaiwanForceintheUSCongressandItsImpact

XinQiang

Abstract: Concurrent with the deterioration of the China-US relations and cross-Taiwan Strait relations, the pro-Taiwan force in the US Congress has witnessed evident resurgence and ignited friction in the past few years. The article explores the dynamics behind the resurgence from the perspectives of the escalation of US-China strategic competition, the deterioration of cross-Taiwan Strait relations and the revival of pro-Taiwan interest groups, and expounds the corresponding impact upon US Taiwan policy making originated from the lack of “red line consciousness”, the insufficiency of the check and balance from the executive branch, and the provocative behaviors of new generation of pro-Taiwan congressmen. The essence of these policies is trying to turn the US’ “One China” policy into a hollow concept, thereupon will bring destructive influence upon China-US relations.

Keywords: US Congress, Pro-Taiwan, US-Taiwan relations

AnAnalysisoftheUSMilitaryTransformation

LiYan

Abstract: Since Trump took office, the United States has accelerated the process of new military transformation, which was carried out under the framework of US great power rivalry, new shift in balance of military power, and changing forms of war. The transformation reflects major adjustments in the US military policy since the war on terrorism. The transformation focuses on coping with military competition with China and Russia, increasing military expenditure, and reforming military mechanism. America is reshaping US military strength. The subversive and offensive transformation will have a far-reaching impact on the US military strategy and global security situation, and will intensify the security dilemma between China and the US. However, the US military transformation still faces uncertainties such as instable fiscal investment and different war patterns.

Keywords: the United States, military transformation, China-US relations, military competition, security dilemma, Trump administration

India’sForeignPolicyunderModi’sSecondTerm

LouChunhao

Abstract: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been re-elected for a second consecutive term. Under Modi’s second term, India’s foreign policy will not only maintain certain continuity, but also boast of new trends in response to changes in domestic political eco-system and external strategic environment. In general, Modi’s second term will focus on Neighborhood First, China-US relations and multilateral diplomacy, aiming to elevate India’s international status. In the process of carrying out the above-mentioned policies, the Modi government will face challenges including lack of policy resources, difficulty in balancing its relationship with China and the United States, and conservative ideology at home. China will be in better position to manage major power relations, advance good neighborhood policy and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Keywords: Modi government, China-India Relations, Belt and Road Initiative, India’s foreign policy

TheBritishInterventionintotheSouthChinaSea

ZhangBiao

Abstract: Since Theresa May took office, the UK’s South China Sea policy becomes increasingly militaristic. The article analyzes the changes in the UK’s South China Sea policy in the May era (2016-2019). The pressures from the US and the recruit of Southeast Asian countries have contributed to the UK’s further invention into the South China Sea. But the UK has played an important role in increasing impacts in South East Asia using the issue of South China Sea. The UK’s ‘gunboat diplomacy’ will make a demonstrative effect for other European countries, and will negatively affect China-UK relations in the area of economic cooperation.

Keywords: South China Sea, China-UK relations, foreign policy, East of Suez, Indo-Pacific

TheNorthernIrishBorderIssueintheBrexitProcess

QuBing&WangShuo

Abstract：Brexit brings back the Northern Irish border issue and the solution involves the British national unity, the Northern Ireland peace process, and the UK-EU economic and trade relations. The UK and the EU reached a draft Brexit agreement including a guarantee plan called “backstop” after a “turf war” on the border issue. Then the agreement was strongly blocked by the UK Parliament, and the EU reaffirmed their opposition to any renegotiation, which leads to a delay in the Brexit process. The Northern Irish border issue became a sticking point due to its complexity and sensibility. What’s more, the UK and EU are entangled with Brexit. Therefore, the definition of interests and policy choices of the two sides are not on the same track. The deadlock caused by the border problem highlights the fragmentation of Western politics and society and the failure of parliamentary democracy.

Keywords: Northern Irish border, UK, Brexit