Milton Academy Hong Kong Chair in Asian Studies Michael Lou with Boston College Professor Robert S. Ross, Ph.D.
History has demonstrated a cycle of power transitions in global politics roughly every 100 years. The notable rises and falls of major European economic and military powers began in the sixteenth century, with the United States assuming global hegemony after World War II. Thanks to the generosity of the donors to the Hong Kong Distinguished Speakers Series, Professor Robert S. Ross, Ph.D., met with Class I and II students to explore the U.S. response to China’s rise as a global power.
This year’s Hong Kong Distinguished Speaker, Robert S. Ross, Ph.D., is a professor of political science at Boston College and an associate with the John King Fairbank Center for Chinese Studies of Harvard University. Professor Ross’s research focuses on Chinese security and defense policies, East Asian security, and U.S.–China relations. During his lecture, he demystified the increasingly tense relations between China and the United States.
Professor Ross shared that, following World War II, the United States asserted its dominance in the Pacific through “gunboat diplomacy,” a practice of bringing naval ships along coastlines in a display of power that simultaneously served as a threat and promise of protection for allies. With its growing navy, China has used this strategy in East Asia in recent years to increase its influence. Fiscally, China has also mimicked American policies by issuing economic sanctions on countries that have resisted its growth. Professor Ross noted that these moves have not dismantled the United States’ power in the Pacific but have effectively weakened U.S. influence.
“Countries in East Asia are now moving to the center between China and the U.S. They are no longer fully committed to the United States.”
—Boston College Professor Robert S. Ross, Ph.D.
Professor Ross suggested that, ultimately, China would like to increase its influence while maintaining peace, and the United States would like to maintain primacy and resist change. He shared that, over time, Americans may witness increased crises, particularly in Taiwan and the Philippines; increased economic deficits as the government invests more in defense spending to keep up with China’s navy; increased Cold War-like intelligence and surveillance, particularly on Chinese-Americans; and a decline of Chinese cooperation in international and domestic issues, such as the opiate crisis. Professor Ross’s lecture is especially prescient as we observe how American politicians discuss these tensions in the upcoming election cycle.
Students were very engaged and asked thoughtful questions to dig deeper into U.S.–China relations, including Chinese influence in the opiate crisis, the Chinese government’s treatment of the Muslim Uyghur minority, tension regarding Taiwan, U.S. technological sanctions against China, and more. Following the lecture, Professor Ross met with interested students in Straus Library to engage in further discussion.
The Hong Kong Distinguished Speakers Series invites speakers who help raise Milton’s awareness about issues of concern in Asia. These speakers also help us better understand the cultures, art, and history of Asian countries. Former Trustee Helen Lin ’81, along with more than 100 graduates living in Hong Kong, established the series in 1998. We are thankful to the Hong Kong Distinguished Speakers Series donors and all donors who make unique and enriching programs possible for our students.
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