By Harry Kazianis
Over the last year, The Diplomat has been a true resource for those asking questions about American Grand Strategy — specifically, America's role in the world after its withdrawal from Iraq and soon Afghanistan.
Is America really pivoting to Asia or is Washington addicted to the Middle East? Can the United States forge a strong relationship with China devoid of conflict? Can a compromise be reached with Iran regarding its nuclear program?
While such questions are important, grand strategy is not just for the world's remaining superpower. Regional powers —especially those whose power and influence are on the rise— must also have some sort of overarching set of principles to guide their foreign policies over the long term.
It is with this in mind that scholars should begin to pay serious attention to China's long term foreign policy goals or grand strategy —not only for the Asia-Pacific, but, increasingly, on a global level as well.
China certainly has a tremendous amount of flexibility and potential when it comes to shaping a grant strategy that could serve it well. There is however one simple goal that must be at the center of any Chinese grand strategy — the reduction of tensions between China and its neighbors.
Read the full story at The Diplomat