From Taiwan to Taliban - Two Danger Zones in Asia
FOI-R--0393--SE
February 2002
ISSN 1650-1942
Editor: Ingolf Kiesow
Co-authors: Ingmar Oldberg, Lena Jonson, Oscar Schlyter, Pål Jonson, Emma Sandström
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Abstract
The end of the Cold War has not resulted in a détente in Asia. Most burning is the ambition of China to incorporate Taiwan, which is opposed by USA. This conflict is reinforced by the desire of USA and neighbouring countries in Asia to keep the sea-lanes open on one hand and Chinas claims on the South China Sea on the other hand. Chinas modernisation if its nuclear arsenal and the U.S. programme for a Ballistic Missile Defence also reinforces the conflict of interests. Chinas accession to the WTO is working in the World Trade Center on 11 September 2001 and the ensuing American war against terrorism has changed the strategic picture of Central and South Asia. Politically fragile states in Central Asia are facing more complicated problems because of the American presence only on its eastern side. The antagonism between the two nuclear powers of India and Pakistan increases, while USA tries to maintain good relations with both of them. China is traditionally supporting Pakistan.
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The report can also be accessed in part by clicking the links corresponding to the relevant titels of articles below
From Taiwan to Taliban; Two Danger Zones in Asia (Abstracts, Executive summary and Introduction)
PART ONE
The Western Pacific
ARTICLE No 1
Towards Alliance? Russias Relations with China in an International Context.
By Ingmar Oldberg
ARTICLE No 2
Ballistic Missile Defence in Asia
By Ingolf Kiesow
ARTICLE No 3
China, Taiwan, USA and the South China Sea
By Ingolf Kiesow
ARTICLE No 4
Peaceful Co-existence and/or Military Competition in the Western Pacific?Economists versus military strategists on WTO, BMD and related issues.
By Ingolf Kiesow
PART TWO
Central Asia
ARTICLE No 1
Russia and Threats to Stability in Central AsiaThe Swedish Institute of International Affairs
By Lena Jonson
ARTICLE No 2
Impact of the Taliban Regime on Security in the Central Asian Region
By Oscar Schlyter
ARTICLE No 3
The Security Environment in South Asia
By Pål Jonson
ARTICLE No 4
Central Asia a New Afghanistan?
The Consequences of the Socio-economic Environment for Religious and Ethnic Strife
By Emma Sandström
ARTICLE No 4 (continues)
Central Asia a New Afghanistan?
The Consequences of the Socio-economic Environment for Religious and Ethnic Strife
By Emma Sandström