China's Prudent Cultivation of ''Soft'' Power and Implications for U.S. Policy in East Asia

C hina is a patient power and a savvy strategist. China's newfound international confidenc -as demonstrated by its hosting of six-party talks o the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) nuclear issue-and surging economic growth raise important questions about the country's future role in regional and global politics. China's recent policy moves are having a dramatic impact, particularly in East Asia. China's patience, confidence, and rising economic power translate into a growing pool of power, giving China increasing influence in East Asia and the global economic system.' China's policy approach represents the sophisticated neomercantilist view that globalization has altered the way nations compete for power. China acknowledges that acceding to international and regional rules-based organizations and agreements has become a sovereignty-enhancing mechanism rather than a limit to its autonomy. In the near future China will primarily follow agreed-upon international practices, although it is increasingly moving in position to directly shape the system itself. China's growing soft power is not inherently a threat to U.S. interests, but how the United States responds to this change in the coming years will shape prospects for future stability in East Asia and the global economic system.