China-U.S. Relations: Striking a Balance between Cooperation and Competition

There is no denying that elements of competition exist in China-U.S. relations, but strengthening bilateral cooperation still forms the heart of the two countries’ policies towards each other.

Sajjad Ashraf Adjunct Professor, National University of Singapore via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1g4DzGf

The Strategic and Economic Dialogue Shows the Maturity of China-U.S. Relations

After heated discussions, even confronting debates, the 7th S&ED has still achieved more than 190 results, which clearly illustrates the solid base for bilateral relations.

Chen Jimin Associate Research Fellow, CPC Party School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1U2y7U1

The Price of Progress

Despite no public statements made by the U.S. government, China has been implicated in a recent hack of the U.S. Office for Personnel Management. It has spurred a debate on information security, differences between economic espionage and cold war espionage, and the overall bilateral relationship.

Rogier Creemers Research Officer, Programme for Comparative Media Law and Policy via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Npbd4I

More than Sport: China vs. the U.S. in World Cup Soccer, 1999 and 2015

Last Friday’s U.S.-China women’s World Cup game recalled the 1999 final, which returned China-U.S. relations to equilibrium. Sport has always served diplomacy and built up patriotism, and China has placed more emphasis on building up its grassroots programs over the last two decades.

Susan Brownell Professor, University of Missouri-St. Louis via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1GH9yBT

The Foundation of China-U.S. Relations Lie in the “Silent Majority”

“A tipping point in U.S.-china relations is upon us…We are witnessing the erosion of some critical underlying supports for predominantly positive U.S.-China ties.” It reflects the growing pessimism in American media and academic community.

Wang Dong, Associate Professor, Peking University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1C0f3Qy

Safeguarding China’s Overseas Interests Through Military Cooperation

It is no surprise that China’s recent military white paper emphasizes “enhancing joint operational capabilities”. The first step of cooperation could be in military operations other than war.

Zhou Bo, Honorary Fellow, PLA Academy of Military Science via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1NhYG26

Building on China-U.S. Cooperation at NPT Conference

As permanent members of the UN Security Council, Chinese and U.S. leaders should look beyond the recent deadlocked Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and use their next U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue to make further progress in promoting nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and supporting the safe and secure peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1dkgIEH

U.S. Ambivalence in South China Sea

China-U.S. competition and rivalry in the South China Sea is structural, strategic, and irreconcilable. Preventing conflicts there from damaging bilateral ties is a practical imperative for decision-makers in both countries.

Wu Shicun President, China Institute of South China Sea Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1BC9CHa

The China – Pakistan Economic Corridor: India’s Dual Dilemma

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor plans connect China to the Persian Gulf through the quickest route. This huge investment can be transformational for South and Central Asia if Pakistan can improve upon its lackluster performance in FDI absorption and transparent governance.

Sajjad Ashraf Adjunct Professor, National University of Singapore via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1IzU83K

Why Should the Renminbi Be Included in the SDR Basket?

SDR inclusion will mean an endorsement of the renminbi as an international reserve currency, and at the same time, the Chinese government will have the power and capacity to steer and manage the renminbi exchange rate.

Yi Xianrong, Researcher, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1If69jk

General Fan Visits Havana

China and Cuba are longtime economic, military and political allies and last week’s arrival of Chinese General Fan Changlong in Havana caused speculation about their relationship. More serious is Cuba’s public insistence during the negotiations that the United States return the naval base at Guantanamo Bay.

Fernando Menéndez Economist via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Ltko5R

China’s $10 Trillion Market Explosion

Not so long ago, China’s A-share index lingered around 2,000. Before last week’s plunge, it closed at 5,200. In the short-term, the market will remain volatile, but just as China’s economy hasn’t emulated typical market fluctuations, its potential should prevail in the long term.

Dan Steinbock, Research Director, India China and America Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1LtjWok

China’s Maritime Disputes: Trouble to the South, But the East Stays Quiet

Tensions are rising in the South China Sea — so why is the East China Sea so calm?

Mandy Peng via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1LsZ00C

China: The U.S. Vote Getter

This election cycle will likely bring out U.S. politicians from both sides of the aisle to blame China for U.S. economic woes. However, as China greatly increases its outbound investment, it would be a missed opportunity to not engage economically.

Tom Watkins, Advisor, University of Michigan Confucius Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1SBKFjn

Three Highlights of Upcoming China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue

Talks on the bilateral investment, the South China Sea and military-to-military relations should help leaders and people in both countries confidence in each other and make China-US relations stand the test of challenging times.

Zhang Wenzong Associate Research Fellow, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1frWWZy

Experimental China

China’s challenges – pollution, corruption, and the economy – have imbued the reform efforts necessary to lead to unpredicted innovation, both by Internet companies and a vast provision of international infrastructure projects.

Andrew Sheng & Xiao Geng, from Fung Global Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1BrEREA

No Support, No Condemnation, No Promotion

In the U.S., the LGBT movement is framed as a civil rights issue, which helps catalyze political action. Beijing’s LGBT community surprisingly enjoys a great deal of freedom and expression—as long as it is not acting politically—which can be in part explained by the Confucian mores of not interfering with others' affairs.

Roma Eisenstark Freelance Writer via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1JYMKV6

Is the South China Sea Worth the Risk of War for Anyone?

There is increasing commentary among the chattering classes about the importance of making China “pay a price” for its aggressive behavior, but the possibility of miscalculation and misjudgment makes it even more important that all participants step back from confrontation.

Doug Bandow Senior Fellow, Cato Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1dNjG59

Taiwan’s Plan to Solve the South China Sea Dispute

In his article “Taiwan Can’t Save the South China Sea,” Michal Thim unfortunately doesn’t seem to grasp the true essence of both the East and South China Sea Peace Initiatives proposed by Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) President Ma Ying-jeou. He also misses the widespread positive responses to the ongoing […]

The National Interest via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1FpAnth

Who Is the Biggest Aggressor in the South China Sea?

In 1996, Vietnam occupied 24 features in the Spratly Islands (source). At that time, according to the same source, China occupied nine. By 2015, according to the United States government, Vietnam occupied 48 features, and China occupied eight. On May 13, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, David Shear, said this […]

The Diplomat via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1H1DUp9

Hong Kong’s Legislature Rejects Beijing-Backed Election Plan

After months of debate and public protests (most notably last year’s ‘Umbrella Movement,’ where protestors occupied streets in Hong Kong’s government and shopping districts), Hong Kong’s election reform plan went before the Legislative Council. The plan needed a two-thirds majority to pass; pan-democrats had pledged to vote as a bloc […]

The Diplomat via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Rdlwcm

China’s the Reason U.S. Needs Trade Pact

House Democrats who’ve been interfering with President Barack Obama’s ability to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership are missing something very important: The trade deal isn’t primarily significant because of the economy. It matters because it’s part of the broader American geostrategic goal of containing China — which pointedly hasn’t been invited […]

Bloomberg via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RdlvoR

The U.S. Needs a Global Strategy Like China’s

There is no Cold War today, no ideologically driven battle for hearts and minds. But there is a contest for influence between two very different political and economic systems, one that will determine who sets the standards and writes the rules for international trade and investment in the coming years. […]

Time via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RdlvoJ

Western Business Stands Up to China

While international human rights groups often protest China’s attempts to restrict freedoms of its people, foreign businesses, with profits on the line, have traditionally been less willing to do so. But now, many have joined Western governments in opposing Beijing’s latest plan to impose new controls on foreign organizations. Under […]

New York Times via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Rdlwce

Time to Choose the Outcome for U.S. China Relations

A major piece in the most recent weekend edition of the Wall Street Journal points out that it’s time to rethink about the U.S. relations with China. This thought provoking article is extremely timely and the issues raised are critical to the future of both countries.

George Koo, Director, New America Media via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1dLwFUR

Where’s the New China-U.S.-Russia Triangle Headed?

"Issue-specific partnership, instead of alliance" may become an outstanding feature of the three countries relations in the future, but their varying relationships challenge their ability to work together to meet global problems and coordinate global governance.

Chen Yonglong, Xue Junying China Foundation for International Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1L1ckrO

A Closer Look at the South China Sea

Tensions are rising over maritime disputes in the South China Sea, with claimants (including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines) accusing each other of destabilizing actions and the U.S. warning against the use of coercion. Bonnie Glaser, a senior adviser for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, sits […]

The Diplomat via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1BjzyYd

Beijing’s Textbook Hypocrisy

When Japanese publishers revised textbook depictions of World War II at the government’s behest this spring, China was quick to cry foul. And with good reason: The new high-school history books toned down or ignored atrocities like the Nanjing Massacre and Japanese soldiers’ use of Chinese and Korean “comfort women” […]

Wall Street Journal via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Ra09IO

China’s stock boom is not so different this time

The four most dangerous words in finance are “this time it’s different”. China’s soaring, $10 trillion stock market has evoked memories of boom and bust in 2006-2008. Many of the same themes are present, while the differences aren’t sufficient to suggest a happier ending. The current ascent is rapid, but […]

Reuters via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Ra07AH

In China, an Ode to ‘Grandpa Xi’

Mao Zedong was the first CCP leader to be praised in a song. Working with the melody of a local folk song in Shaanxi Province where Mao and his colleagues were congregated to re-launch the communist revolution, farmer Li Youyuan reportedly composed a song, “The East is Red,” to praise […]

The Diplomat via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1HUlF3G

How to Save the U.S.-China Ties

China’s large-scale construction of artificial islands in the hotly disputed waters of the South China Sea has led many in Washington to call for a tougher stance against Beijing. While China no doubt bears much responsibility for pursuing murky and ambitious territorial claims with aggressive actions, contending with China’s rise […]

The National Interest via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Ra07kl

How to Solve the ‘Taiwan Problem’ in the U.S.-China Relations

This quotation, written by Chas Freeman–along with Henry Kissinger, perhaps America’s most successful and respected diplomat-scholar on the U.S.-China relationship–introduces a chapter entitled “Imagine–The Taiwan Question and U.S. China-Relations” in U.S. Naval War College Assistant Professor Lyle J. Goldstein’s scintillating and titillating new book, Meeting China Halfway–How to Defuse the […]

Forbes via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1HUhKnG

A Dragon and a Bear: Sino-Russian Rapprochement in Central Asia

China is emerging as a much stronger player in the Central Asian region, with the support of Russian resources. Central Asian states may exploit this Sino-Russian rapprochement in order to advance their own goals, receiving security and funding from Moscow and Beijing, while not being required to change political regimes.

Kemel Toktomushev Research Fellow, University of Central Asia via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1IO9BQe

The Forces Driving Exuberance in the Chinese A-share Market

Historic gains in the Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share stock markets are causing some Western analysts to speculate that the growth is being driven by irrational behavior. There are both institutional and individual explanations for this over-confidence, which will need to monitored if the market contracts.

Dan Redford, VP, Investor Relations for Civitas Capital Group via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1GMwWCw

Creating a Human-Interest Agenda for U.S.-China Relations

Just as U.S. President Bill Clinton expressed to Chinese President Jiang Zemin in 1996, both countries need to rely on the common interests of combating climate change and strengthening mutual security. This can happen with improved and people-to-people interaction.

Mel Gurtov, Editor-in-Chief, Asian Perspective via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1GJuvm1

Does China Produce More Competent Leaders Than America?

Do the meritocratic features of the China model produce more competent leaders than democratic elections in America? In key ways, this seems certainly true.

Daniel Bell Chair Professor, Schwarzman Scholars program, Tsinghua University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1LclWB8

Why Democracies Dominate: America’s Edge over China

CHINA’S ENORMOUS population and rapid rate of economic growth mean that Beijing could soon dislodge Washington from its standing as the most dominant power in Asia. The Economist, for example, predicts that China could overtake the United States as the world’s largest economy—an important measure of national power—in the year […]

The National Interest via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1cWH7Z1

The Trial of Zhou Yongkang and China’s Rule of Law

Zhou Yongkang, the first Politburo Standing Committee member to be indicted for corruption in the history of the People’s Republic of China, was tried on May 22 behind closed doors, and his verdict was announced on June 11. Compared to the trial of Bo Xilai, former Politburo member and former […]

The Diplomat via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1JQrhO6

China’s Unsettling Stock Market Boom

Something strange is going on in the Chinese stock market. Even as the country’s economy has slowed, stocks have surged about 147 percent in the last 12 months as individual investors have poured their savings and have borrowed money to put into the market. The sharp increase in stock prices […]

New York Times via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1MWYW7l

Hong Kong’s Activist Social Media Culture Under Threat

A series of controversial arrests of social media activists in Hong Kong since last year’s Occupy Central movement has raised concerns that the government is exploiting the flawed cyberlaw to suppress political speech online in a period of intensifying social and political tensions. On May 29, Tam Tak-chi, leader of […]

The Diplomat via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1HL5m9p

What Does China’s Silk Road Policy Mean In Practice?

The Silk Road is one of the world’s most powerful brands, perhaps even bigger than Disney or Coca-Cola KO -0.8%. In my conversations across the region, whether speaking with a Chinese policy official or Egyptian taxi driver, simple mention of the Silk Road brings immediate recognition. By adopting the concept […]

Forbes via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1MWYVQK

A Federation for Hong Kong and China

The debate over how Hong Kong’s leader should be elected in 2017 has flared up again. Later this week the local legislature is expected to vote on a controversial plan by the Chinese government — the one that triggered the Umbrella Movement and the lengthy occupation of several major neighborhoods […]

New York Times via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1G8pCMN

The U.S. Has Gone Too Far in the South China Sea Dispute

In its eagerness to reassert its supremacy in the Asia Pacific, Washington risks losing its balance amid competing strategic goals, by forcing a position that is neither fair nor legally supportable in a region far from its shores.

Chen Xiangyang, Deputy Director, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1TmSQRW

China’s Export Infrastructure Strategy at Risk in South China Sea?

Could China’s export infrastructure drive be at risk from its actions in the South China Sea? To win overseas infrastructure contracts, China may have to choose between a trouble free ‘going out’ strategy, and an aggressive ‘island-building’ South China Sea policy.

Stewart Taggart Founder & Principal, Grenatec via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Fi2LgQ

Polar Positioning

Six countries have staked out claims to terrain in Antarctica despite the1959 Antarctic Treaty stating it does “not recognize, dispute, nor establish territorial sovereignty claims.” Beyond not adhering to international law, national action in the poles is problematic for the region’s fragile ecologies and politics.

Walker Rowe, Publisher, Southern Pacific Review via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1L9nT1i

How to Avoid a Sino-American War

The U.S.-China Strategic Dialogue, the seventh of its kind, will take place soon amidst an increasing rivalry between the two countries. Ensuring stable peace and continued prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region will require both countries to replace their self-serving interpretations of the other’s strategic intentions with more sober assessments.

Minghao Zhao Research Fellow, Charhar Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1IMHdAS

Please Don’t Misread the Name of the Game

Win-win cooperation has replaced wars and national self-interest, and that approach will make Asia economically stronger and benefit the entire globe.

Wu Jianmin Former President, China Foreign Affairs University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1GBf1QN

How Would You Feel If China Flew Spy Planes a Dozen Miles From the California Coast?

What exactly is America's gripe with China in the South China Sea? The question becomes more and more important as the future of the world's most vital bilateral relationship becomes more and more dependent on what happens in this much-contested waterway. And the answer is not very clear.

Hugh White Professor of Strategic Studies, National University of Australia via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1e4v39F

U.S.-China Military Exchange Can Help Moderate Rivalry

Despite tensions in the South China Sea, Chinese General Fan Changlong is in the United States, being hosted by the Pentagon. Mil-to-mil exchanges been taking place since the mid-1990’s, despite opposition from U.S. congressional war hawks and Chinese hardliners. To build political support for productive U.S.-China mil-to-mil exchanges, such programs will have to produce real results, and soon.

Minxin Pei, Professor, Claremont McKenna College via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1KXGLwW

Interference in South China Sea Harms U.S.

China's efforts to solve the disputes through consultations and bilateral negotiations between parties in the disputes has shown the direction for peaceful resolutions. Since stability is also a U.S. goal, Washington should stop blaming China for stirring up conflicts and allow countries in the region to resolve their own disputes.

Yin Chengde Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1KXGJoG