Dealing With Differences
Competition between China and the United States doesn’t have to be negative
The China-u.s. diplomatic relationship, which turned 40 this year, is now the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world and should not be affected by trade tensions or other differences, politicians, officials and scholars from both countries said.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter set the tone when he said the bilateral relationship is “too important to be destroyed or set back by hatred or misunderstanding between the two countries” at a symposium commemorating the 40th anniversary of the normalization of China-u.s. relations in Atlanta from January 17 to 19.
“Instead of celebrating, many Americans, inside and outside of the government, are questioning the benefits of the diplomatic relations and our policy of engagement. This policy, that has given us 40 years of peace, is unfortunately deeply troubled,” Stephen Orlins, President of the National Committee on U.S.China Relations, said.
Orlins said it is within the power of both governments to put the relationship back on track. The leaders should show the same bravery that Carter and Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping demonstrated 40 years ago to normalize bilateral relations.
Since the two largest economies have different cultural traditions and different stages of development, disagreements and frictions are inevitable at times. “The key is in the attitude toward the differences and disagreements and how the problems are dealt with,” Zhou Mingwei, former President of the China International Publishing Group, said.
Divorce no option
The best solution to the problems, the participants concurred, is through closer cooperation rather than disengagement.
“The U.s.-china relationship is like a strange marriage with no therapist or counselor,” David Shambaugh, Director of the China Policy Program at the George Washington University, said. “But divorce is not an option. Divorce means war.”
Since it became the second largest economy and began playing an increasingly important role in the international system, China is seen as a “rising power” that could pose a threat to the United States, the established power. There is increasing misunderstanding about China, which could result in strategic miscalculations with dire consequences.
Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., said if people learn more about the history of the Chinese civilization and China’s goal, they will have a much better understanding of why China is seeking modernization and national rejuvenation. They would understand why China believes in reform and opening up as the key to success and its commitment to peaceful development for itself and joint efforts with other countries for a community of nations with a shared future.
“Such understanding and trust can be achieved through more effective communica- tion and coordination. When this is done, the possibilities of miscalculation will be greatly reduced,” Cui said. “Facts prove that cooperation is in the interests of both countries. We have no better option than cooperation.”
Zhou echoed him. “The U.S. should objectively view China’s development, which is based on its own logic and doesn’t aim to surpass or overwhelm any other country,” he said. “It should also take an objective view of the desire of the Chinese people to develop their economy for a better life.” On the other hand, China should make it clear that its strategic goal is to succeed in its own development rather than challenge anyone. “How China and the U.S. assess each other’s strategic intentions will directly influence the policies they adopt and the type of relationship they develop. We cannot