Last month, when US President Joe Biden predicted that a
“thaw” in the Sino-US relationship would begin “very shortly,” many analysts
dismissed it as just a ‘slip of tongue’ rather than a serious rhetoric.
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However, the confirmation by the Chinese foreign ministry
about US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to China this weekend has
sparked a renewed sense of optimism, indicating the potential for a resumption
of positivity between the two sides.
A glimmer of hope
Despite the prevailing atmosphere of extremism in American
politics, envisioning a swift resurgence of rationality and normalcy in
Washington's approach towards China has become increasingly challenging.
Yet, recent events, such as the joint visit of US Assistant
Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink and
Sarah Beran, White House National Security Council's senior director for China
affairs – and now Blinken’s visit – offer a glimmer of hope that something
positive is brewing.
Such a change in perspective would certainly pave the way for a renewed phase of collaboration between the two global powers. Blinken’s visit signifies the emergence of pragmatism among American policymakers.
Such a change in perspective would certainly pave the way
for a renewed phase of collaboration between the two global powers. Blinken’s
visit signifies the emergence of pragmatism among American policymakers.
Regrettably, the grand tapestry of US diplomacy has been
marred by incessant interference and intervention from the extreme China hawks
in Washington, obscuring the prospects of a mutually beneficial relationship.
Overreaction and unilateral actions
In an unfortunate turn of events in February, the US
demonstrated its penchant for overreaction and unilateral actions. In response
to the "unmanned civilian balloon incident," the US side decided to
postpone Secretary Blinken's visit to China, thereby squandering a valuable
opportunity for meaningful engagement and dialogue between the two nations.
This ill-considered decision not only aggravated the already
abysmally low level of mutual trust but also exacerbated the deepening rift
between China and the US. The postponement of Blinken's visit was a missed
chance to bridge the gap and foster understanding between the two nations.
Short-sighted and counterproductive
Instead, it served as yet another example of America's
propensity for short-sighted and counterproductive actions. Subsequently, both
the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, and the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
were used by Washington as platforms to showcase its hostility towards China.
In Hiroshima, the US attempted to rally support for a
collective response to what it labeled as China's "economic
coercion," portraying it as a global challenge.
Similarly, at the Shangri-La Dialogue, China's legitimate
advocacy for safeguarding its sovereignty was unfairly depicted as
"threat" to regional peace and stability.
Meanwhile, the true threats to peace and stability,
emanating from the United States' containment measures against China, were
conveniently overlooked, painted as benign endeavors to maintain order. It is
the Biden administration that has fueled more cynicism in the Sino-US relation
by taking the initiative to create more opacity in the longstanding policy of
"strategic ambiguity" concerning the Taiwan issue.
“It was established in the 1970s firmly, explicitly,
unambiguously said that China, that Taiwan is part of China, but neither side
will undertake provocative actions to change this situation. It's called
strategic ambiguity.
It held the peace for 50 years, which is not inconsiderable
in international affairs. China is still maintaining that position. the US is
abandoning it,” is how Noam Chomsky, renowned American scholar, has commented
in his interview with Pierce Morgan recently. These actions by the US reveal a
disturbing pattern of antagonism towards China, driven by self-interest and a
desire to maintain dominance in the region.
Sticking to a confrontational approach
Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue and seeking
common ground, Washington continues to stick to a confrontational approach that
risks escalating tensions and jeopardizing global stability.
Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue and seeking common ground, Washington continues to stick to a confrontational approach that risks escalating tensions and jeopardizing global stability.
Against this backdrop, the visit of Blinken to China must be
taken very seriously because it presents a unique opportunity for constructive
engagement.
Admittedly, the US holds the key to shaping a positive
atmosphere that fosters sincerity and goodwill. Only through such proactive
measures can this visit transcend mere spectacle and evolve into a substantive
endeavor, actively propelling the healthy and stable growth of China-US
relations.
The focus must remain on substance rather than theatricality,
if this visit is to yield meaningful outcomes. Amid the stagnant state of
China-US relations, a breakthrough lies within strengthened communication and
the resolution of numerous pressing issues. It is crucial, however, to
acknowledge that the agenda for discussions cannot be unilaterally determined
by the US.
The Chinese side has a long list of grievances
The seriousness and accountability with which the US
addresses these infractions will determine its commitment to constructive
engagement and provide the Chinese side with the explanations it rightfully
seeks.
On the question of Taiwan, China's resolute commitment to
upholding national unity and territorial integrity is unequivocal, underscored
by its unwavering stance and clearly defined red lines.
So, it is crucial for both nations to prioritize rebuilding
trust and finding common ground in order to navigate the complex challenges
that lie ahead. Only through sincere and meaningful cooperation can we hope to
achieve a more harmonious and stable global order.
The persistent hijacking of the foreign policy agenda by
fervent ideologues has hindered the prospects of a harmonious trajectory in Sino-American
relations.
Constructive engagement, rather than antagonism, holds the
key to a future where both nations can harness their collective strengths for
the betterment of the world.
The time has come for the United States to transcend the
suffocating grip of ideological entrapment and forge a new path—one that
fosters understanding, cooperation, and shared prosperity with China.
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