The situation of the US preliminary Presidential election became clear as early as on March 7: Bush and Gore are certain
to get nomination as Republican and Democratic candidates for President, indicating an early arrival of the rivalries between the two parties. In this year’s
election, diplomatic issues, especially the China issue, are put into the spotlight. Bush holds an uncompromising attitude toward China. He criticized Clinton’s China policy as too weak and maintained that China is an opponent rather than a strategic partner to the US, therefore, the US
government should deal with China in a “stern and tough” way. In contrast, Gore takes a relatively moderate attitude toward China. His China policy is more positive than Bush’s. Gore thinks that Bush still rest on the Cold War mentality to regard China as an enemy. He advocates that the US government should adopt a comprehensive engagement policy toward China. In the meantime, the Capital Hill would not keep silence either. Some Congressmen repeatedly launched attacks on China in regard to the Taiwan, human rights and trade issues. Nevertheless, engaging with China has already become a consensus between the Democratic and Republican Party. No matter which party and who win the election, this policy will not be changed.