Talking only way for US and China to get on same page
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to China, which started on Monday, comes at a time when relations between the world’s two largest economies are at one of their worst points since they established diplomatic ties four decades ago. Trade frictions aside, days before Pompeo’s trip to Asia, US Vice-President Mike Pence opened fire on China in a blustering speech that scatter shot groundless accusations against China, and depicted it as an evil empire seeking to contest the geopolitical advantages of the US and change the international order.
The speech, with its wordings reminiscent of how the US targeted the former Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War, seemed intended to mark a confrontational policy shift toward China by the Donald Trump administration.
Which meant Pompeo’s Beijing visit came at a timely moment, as it may serve as yet another chance to find ways to prevent the already fast-sinking relations from going into free fall. At times of uncertainties, it is imperative the two sides remain sober-minded and keep the door to constructive communications open.
As Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday when he met with Pompeo, the misguided actions and hostile rhetoric of the US cast a shadow over the China-US relations, which must not descend into conflict and confrontation.
Despite their differences, there is no denying that their cooperation benefits both countries. But it is not only in their common interests, but also a mutual necessity because in today’s world there are many a global issue that no country can deal with single-handedly.
Amid the rising tensions in bilateral ties, it has been Beijing’s consistent position to try and resolve the problems in China-US relations, from trade to intellectual property to market access, through talks on the basis of an equal footing and mutual respect.
That is why China’s response toward the US has always remained measured and well reasoned, not only in face of US imposing hefty tariffs on increasing amounts of Chinese goods, but also when constantly provoked on Taiwan or in the South China Sea. For it still believes that their common interests far outweigh their differences, and there are many reasons to make the relationship better, and not a single one to make it worse.
But friendship is not one sided and goodwill must be reciprocated. It was heartening therefore after Pence’s rant, that Pompeo said that US does not oppose China’s development, has no intention of blocking China, nor does it have a comprehensive policy to contain China.
As he acknowledged, it is important that the two sides strengthen communication, enhance trust and strengthen their cooperation on the basis of rules.