The US elects a president

Chinese historians recorded visits by explorers and merchants that are thought by some to have been emissaries from the Roman Empire during the Second and Third Centuries A.D.

However, the first well-documented visit from a “modern” noteworthy European was Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, an Italian Franciscan friar and historian sent by Pope Innocent IV in 1245.

When he returned, Giovanni wrote a detailed account of his travels: “They regard each other almost as members of one family. No one holds his fellow in contempt, but each helps and supports the other to the limit of his abilities. However, they are extremely arrogant toward other people and look down on all others with disdain. In fact, they regard them, both noble and humble people alike, as little better than nothing. They are the greatest liars in the world in dealing with other people.”

Apparently, that opinion has not changed for much of the world in the ensuing centuries. In 2019 a global survey asked respondents how much trust they have in the following countries to act responsibly in the world. Even with President Donald J. Trump being the least trusted world leader, trust in the United States was at 52 percent; trust in China was 32 percent and that was before the Covid pandemic.

When it comes to geopolitics, it seems that many conversations begin and end with “China.”

“Angela Merkel warns China to do more to open up or risk more restrictions on EU market access.” “Six months ago, Britain was the most China-friendly state in Western Europe. That’s ancient history now.” “Trudeau Riles China 50 Years After His Father Forged Ties.” It is not a matter of the negative opinions about China as obviously many are basically positive. It is a matter that China’s place in the world and its actions often influence other nations’ domestic policies and politics, as we have seen in the Philippines.

Next Tuesday the US will elect its president for the next four years. Certainly, as the world’s most powerful leader, that man’s decisions will have an impact on our country economically and geopolitically. On the international scene, none will be more important than the track the US takes with China.

Democrat candidate Joe Biden is seen as having always had a conciliatory view of China. In 2017 he said, “I want China to succeed. They don’t have enough energy, they don’t have enough water.” Earlier this year he said, “China is going to eat our lunch? Come on, man—they can’t figure out how they’re going to deal with the corruption that exists within the system. They’re not bad folks, folks… They’re not competition for us.”

Biden has since walked back on those comments, saying, “I don’t suggest China is not a problem. I’m the guy who’s been the toughest on—i’ve spent more time with Xi Jinping than anybody else, just because of the nature of my job.”

But “tough on China” is not without problems and some peril. “Trump administration notifies Congress of $1.8 billion in proposed weapons sales to Taiwan.” Beijing responded that “China firmly opposes this, and we urge the US to stop arms sales to Taiwan so as not to cause further damage to China-us relations and peace and stability across the Strait.”

Whatever the outcome of next Tuesday’s election, our Asean region is still going to be volatile.