The Bush Administration''s Policy toward US-Japan Security Relations: Taiwan Security Consideration (2001-2005)

• Main Authors: Chu-chi Lin, 林楚淇
• Other Authors: Wan-chin Tai
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/34372806635323052760

碩士 === 淡江大學 === 美國研究所碩士班 === 96 === The steadfastness of US-Japan security relations has been critical to the regional security of East Asia. The Bush Administration regards the promotion of U.S.-Japan security relations as their first priority in East Asia policy. The US government regards the Taiwan Straits as one of the key flashpoints in East Asia. The U.S.-Japan security relations act as the balancer in Cross-Strait relations. In this thesis, the author applies the concept of ‘balancing’ and ‘integration of resource’ from alliance theory as a framework for analysis. In particular, the thesis focuses on the exploration of two hypotheses: H1: Security of Japan remains the Bush Administration’s primary concern despite U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee claims that the Taiwan Straits is a common strategic objective of the U.S. and Japan. H2: The Bush Administration expects Taiwan to modernize in military equipment and equipment even though the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee claims that Taiwan Straits is common strategic objective of both the US and Japan. In terms of structure, the first chapter provides literature review, outlines research theory, hypotheses, scope, rationale and expected contribution to the wider academia. The second chapter discusses alliance theory and U.S.-Japan security relations. The third chapter explores regional security issues affecting U.S.-Japan security relations. The fourth chapter focuses on the first hypothesis. The fifth chapter focuses on the second hypothesis. The article concluded with two main findings: First, US concerns contribute to the role of US-Japan relations as a balancer on Cross-Strait military issues. They continues, even strengthens, acting the role as a balancer on Cross-strait military competition. Second, the Bush Administration expects that Taiwan is to act in a positive manner, adding to the military surplus rather than minus to the US-Japan security alliance. Such a finding suggests to Taiwan government that national security is based on the strong military preparedness rather than commitment of allies.