China Diplomacy

The Taiwan Relations Act - representing the response of Congress to the Carter administration's 1978 "abandonment" of Taipei in favour of Beijing - is the focus of this analysis of Washington's "dual" China policy. Considering not only the US perspective, but also that of Taiwan and the PRC, this book explores the contradictions of the situation. The triangular diplomacy between the three capitals has been, and remains, a problematic configuration in the history of international relations. In addition to delineating the factors involved, this book also highlights the implications of legislating foreign policy and discusses the occasionally advantageous role of ambiguity in affording flexibility to diplomats and policymakers under complicated circumstances.