CHINA'S NUCLEAR ARMS CONTROL AND NONPROLIFERATION POLICY AND U.S.-CHINA RELATIONS, 1979 to 2007

This thesis discusses the interacting relationship between China's nuclear arms control and nonproliferation policy and U.S.-China relations from 1979 to 2007. By exploring the interactions of the two countries in the context of the international nonproliferation regime, and using developments in North Korea, Iran and Taiwan as case studies, this thesis concludes that China's nuclear arms control and nonproliferation policy had shifted since the late 1970s to one characterized by active engagement, and it has continued to evolve. This evolution was related to the development of US-China relations. Constructive developments in U.S.-China relations may positively influence China's nuclear arms control and nonproliferation policy and China's active participation in nonproliferation may also prove beneficial in the development of U.S.-China relations