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Taiwan Social Sciences Citation Index(TSSCI)

Prospect Quarterly Vol.22 No.3 (July 2021)

 

 

“One Step Back, Two Steps Forward”: U.S. Strategic Intent and the Effects of Withdrawal from the INF

 

 

Ming-shih Shen 

(Research Fellow, Division of Chinese Politics, Military and Warfighting Concepts, Institute for National Defense and Security Research)

 

     

This paper assesses the U.S.’ sudden withdrawal from the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019 from a strategic perspective, positing that the decision constituted a countermeasure to the threat of medium range missiles from China and Russia. The U.S. believes that Russia has failed to abide by the treaty and that continued adherence restricts the U.S.’ ability to develop its own medium-range missiles. Withdrawal gave the U.S. an opportunity to express its dissatisfaction with the treaty while intentionally forcing China to join the INF, thereby providing counter measures against the threat from China. This paper argues that while U.S. withdrawal from the INF escalated conflicts, it can also be understood as a U.S. strategy of “one step back, two steps forward,” in which the U.S. is seeking to reconstruct a tripartite treaty so that it can hold China and Russia in check. 

Keywords: INF, Arms Race, Nuclear Weapon Reduction, MRBM, Missile Defense

 

The Development, Operation, and Dilemmas of the China-India-Russia Strategic Triangle
  
 

Chu-chuan Shen 

(Ph. D., Graduate Institute of International Politics, National Chung Hsing University) 

Tung-chieh Tsai 

(Distinguished Professor, Graduate Institute of International Politics, National Chung Hsing University)

 

Abstract

This article argues that the “Three Foreign Ministers’ Summit” con stitutes an upgrade to the “Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting” as a com munication mechanism focusing on various international issues such as conflict resolution, terrorism, and climate change for the triumvirate of China, India, and Russia. Additionally, BRICS serves as a key mechanism to enhance trade cooperation and coordination within the global economy. However, there is no mandatory power to alleviate historical dilemmas and political disputes among the China-India-Russia triangle. Finally, U.S. foreign policy and its containment policy toward China are creating greater uncertainty for the China-India-Russia relationship. It is therefore essential to pay more attention to future developments within that important trilateral relationship. 

 

Keywords: Geopolitics, China-India-Russia Relations, U.S., Greater Eurasian Partnership, BRICS

 

 

The Evolution and Significance of Japan’s Space Strategy in the 21st Century
  
 

Tzu-chen Cheng 

(Professor, Department of Political Science, Chinese Culture University) 

Tzu-shan Cheng 

(Adjunct Assistant Professor, Office of Teacher Education and Career Services, National Taipei University of Education) 

 

Abstract 

 

In the new century, the Japan Self-Defense Forces have been compelled to make significant changes in response to a rapidly changing technological environment and China’s rising power. This paper investigates the opportunities for Japan in the essential sectors of military innovation, space exploitation and military satellites. It does so through a study of relevant documents pertaining to space war theories and by exploring the evolution of Japan’s space strategy and active early warning capabilities through the prism of its evolving strategic needs in space, private enterprises related to that sector, and Japan’s collaboration on space based surveillance with allied nations. 

Keywords: Space Strategy, Japanese Defense, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Space Operation Squadron, Space Situational Awareness