Motivations Behind and Implications of Thailand’s Warm Response to China’s Rise (1997-2012)

    Abstract: Following the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, in comparison with other American allies in the East Asia, Thailand’s political and security policies towards China have been relatively mildIt is argued here that the key driver behind Thailand’s warm response to China’s rise is the growing priority given to economic factors in Thailand’s domestic strategy following the financial crisisChina’s experience with Thailand demonstrates that the mere absence of security conflicts is not sufficient to ensure that its neighboring countries will adopt friendly policies which respond positively to the continuous growth of Chinese powerChina must harmonize its economic and security policies in East Asia, and customize its security policies towards countries in the region based on the characteristics of their respective security policies and the security threats they represent

    About the Authors: Sun Xuefeng is an Associate Professor in the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University  