Commemorating History with Perspective

China’s plan to hold a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II is not about presenting militarism, but to offer a somber reminder of China’s will and capacity to sustain world peace. Beijing feels a responsibility to defend the post-WWII world order by upholding the justice of anti-Japanese aggression and anti-Fascist warfare.

Shen Dingli, Associate Dean, Fudan Unversity via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1MX2hEX

China Should Look to the “Pacific Pumas”

The downturn of global financial and foreign exchange markets, is causing concerns in the Americas. A Chinese trade and investment focus on the “Pacific Pumas” would be a prudent strategy and help reduce tensions and suspicions between the U.S. and China in the region.

Fernando Menéndez Economist via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Kn1wGl

Strategic Culture and the South China Sea Disputes

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III analyzes the historical and political contexts that have increased the strategic importance of the South China Sea (SCS) for the Philippines and China. Despite the obvious clashes in the SCS positions of the two countries, avenues for collaboration remain open.

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III Member, Philippine Association for China Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1LMRfn9

China: The Mishandled Issue in the U.S. Presidential Election Campaign

China has received little attention in the early stages of the presidential election campaigns, besides by a few candidates hoping to score cheap political points. Posturing, even if not meant seriously, creates needless suspicions and resentment in U.S.-China relations.

Ted Carpenter, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Vq4D2d

Why It is a Loser’s Game to Bet Against China’s Leadership

Moderating growth rates in the range of 5-7% per annum reflect the higher per capita income level and the changing growth paradigm in China. A modest slowdown is a necessary and healthy adjustment for China to transition to a new trajectory of more efficient and sustainable growth. But instead of greeting such a positive "new normal" with enthusiasm, the naysayers have reacted with dismay as though they would rather prefer the old growth model.

Fred Hu Chairman, Beijing-based Primavera Capital Group via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1F1P4UP

Why Fuss over RMB Depreciation?

The shifting exchange rate reflects the strength of the dollar, not weakness of the RMB. The two nations and business communities should focus on identifying the complementary sectors and products of the two countries and seeking a sustainable pattern of stable growth based on mutual benefit.

He Weiwen, Co-director, China-US/EU Study Center, CAIT via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1KcLFKp

New RMB Exchange Rate Reform Must Obtain International Credibility

A long-term stable RMB exchange rate with a two-way volatility is conducive to maintaining the financial asset price, to preventing a large-scale capital outflow, to controlling foreign-debt risk, to reducing the cost and burden of debt financing and to stabilizing economic growth anticipation.

Zhang Monan, Researcher, China Int'l Economic Exchanges Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1KcLHC8

Xi’s State Visit Gives Obama’s Opportunity to Make History

For most of his administration, Obama’s foreign policy followed the disastrous course left by his predecessor combined with his desire to offend the least number of his Congressional critics. George Koo provides four suggestions for Obama to make a positive course correction.

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

RMB Exchange Rate Will Become More Volatile

For the Chinese monetary authorities, how to allow the market to determine the RMB exchange rate while preventing the depreciation from sparking a rout is a serious challenge. For the rest of world, how to cheer China on to let go the RMB exchange rate while watching RMB depreciation in a quite manner is an equally serious challenge.

Yu Yongding, Former President, China Society of World Economics via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1PzQyey

China’s Changing Reform Landscape Calls for New Reform Incentives

China has entered into a crucial period of comprehensive deepening of reform. Reform carried out in some areas has already addressed quite a few chronic problems. Other major reform initiatives are under deliberation as well.

Jin Bei, Professor and Editor-in-Chief, China Economist via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1LCe2BU

China & America: Stay Focused on What Really Matters

Even on controversial issues, cooperation—instead of confrontation—is key to finding solutions.

Cui Tiankai, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1K5NZmB

Will China’s Victory Day Parade Threaten the World?

Indecisive western responses to China’s military parade invitation are based ultimately on their profound worries about the potential impacts that China’s development will exert on the political and economic patterns of the present-day world.

Qin Xiaoying, Research Scholar, China Foundation For Int'l and Strategic Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1NBQHkd

China’s Complexity Problem

Tectonic shifts are occurring in the economy, financial markets, geopolitical strategy, and social policy. The ultimate test may well lie in managing the exceedingly complex interplay among these developments. Is China’s leadership up to the task, or has it bitten off too much at once?

Stephen Roach, Faculty Member, Yale University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1KMjGeS

What Caused U.S.-Chinese Market Turmoil?

As the Fed is paving way for the first rate hike in a decade, the world economy prepares for the greatest shift of capital flows in five years. Recent market turmoil in the U.S. and China heralds the transition.

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

The Paradox of Abe’s Speech

Only when people with vision in Japan take positive actions, and the entire international community successfully urge Japan to adopt a correct reading of history, will Japan’s relations with its East Asian neighbors be able to move forward into an era of mutual trust and respect.

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

Pull Together and Cooperate Closely for Win-Win: China’s Enhanced Actions on Climate Change

Achieving the environmental goals presented to the UN not only can help China effectively control greenhouse-gas emissions and address global climate change, it will lay a good foundation to improve the ecological environment especially air quality. That creates an inspiring model for other nations as the Paris climate change conference approaches, where success depends on respect for developing nations varying capacities to make change and a spirit of cooperation, not confrontation.

Li Junfeng, Chen Ji, Yang Xiu, Wang Tian, Chen Yi, Qi Yue via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Uaw8KE

What to Do About North Korea?

In Chinese academic and policy circles, emotional attachment to North Korea is steadily draining away, which creates an opportunity for Washington to persuade the PRC to change its policy toward the nation.

Doug Bandow Senior Fellow, Cato Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1JuyOB3

The Significance of Iran Nuclear Deal

The Iranian nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Cooperation Plan of Action, is attributable to foreign policy adjustments by both the US and Iran, and the decision to meet each other half way.

Li Shaoxian, VP, China Institute of Contemporary Int'l Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1LuYO1t

U.S./China: The Most Important Bilateral Relationship in the World Today

President Xi Jinping will visit the United States in September, partaking in a high stakes, scripted, state dinner with President Obama and other dignitaries at the White House. The Chinese leader will be in the neighborhood for the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations.

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

US-Japan Military Alliance Poised to Decline

The peaceful desires of most Japanese people and the powerful trends of economic globalization and world multi-polarization do not in any way support the strengthening of the US-Japan military alliance. In fact, they are harbingers of its disintegration.

Wu Zurong, Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1J9cStQ

Variables Affect the US Grand Strategy Toward China

The view of mainstream Americans about China is the key to formulating any US grand strategy toward Beijing. Today, while some domestic politics has negative effects, we need more dialogues to enhance transparency and control third-party factors with prudent management and precaution.

Zhao Weibin, Researcher, PLA Academy of Military Science via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1PnLE4m

One Belt, One Road: A New Source of Rent for Ruling Elites in Central Asia?

Although One Belt, One Road is hailed as one of the grandest flagship projects of Beijing, it may have a bumpy start in Central Asia. Corruption scandals may overshadow laudable development achievements, whilst the new Silk Road may emerge as the Golden Road for kleptocratic governments and rent-seeking elites.

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

The Iranian Deal: An Important Pointer for International Relations

The recent agreement hammered out by major powers, the UN and Iran set a powerful example for resolving regional and international problems. The hard work is far from over, as suspicion lingers in Washington, Tehran and some Arab capitals, but the success so far shows that difficult issues can be resolved through negotiation when all parties are sincere about achieving a result.

Wu Sike, Member on Foreign Affairs Committee, CPPCC via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1JsjAi0

China-ASEAN Hotlines: the Best Fruits in an ‘Early Harvest’

Beyond search-and-rescue cooperation and crisis management, creating hotlines between China and the 10 ASEAN countries would carry a no less important symbolism: the consensus that the South China Sea issue is not an issue between them as a whole.

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

PetroChina, Ecuador, and Venezuela Team up to Build the Pacific Refinery

The Chinese-backed Pacific Refinery, the largest project in Ecuador’s history, sheds light on Ecuador’s current trading relationships with the United States and China, and a region transforming with China’s loans and construction.

Walker Rowe, Publisher, Southern Pacific Review via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1URXc3r

Dead on Arrival?

Some scholars say the much-talked-about New Model of Major-Country Relationship is being discarded before it even gets off the drawing board. But at the upcoming Xi-Obama meeting, common interests will stimulate common values, and strengthen the willingness to sail in the same ship.

Zhao Weibin, Researcher, PLA Academy of Military Science via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1K4YLYH

Two Countries, One System

The Sino-American ‘Grand Consensus’ that has benefited both for more than three decades is threatened by new realities and interests in the wake of China’s rise. Both countries must seek effective cooperation, not only to realize mutual benefits, but to jointly play a leadership role for the maintenance and reform of the current international system.

Da Wei, Director, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1UQj0fQ

How Timber Trade Is Shifting Sino-Myanmar Relations

The recent amnesty that freed 155 Chinese loggers might calm Beijing and Kunming, effectively easing diplomatic tension between China and Myanmar. The move could also signal, however, that when it comes to the timber trade, it is business as usual.

Alessandro Rippa PhD., University of Aberdeen via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Mzr8jz

Say It Ain’t So: Hollywood and Self-Censorship

It’s time for the number one and number two film powers in the world to engage in some mutually beneficial cultural exchange on the big screen, building on the sturdy China-America symbiosis that props open the doors of trade and underpins so much of today’s prosperity.

Philip Cunningham, visiting research fellow, Cornell University, New York via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1WAV8P9

China Sheds Its Dollar Fetters

Shrill forebodings of a return to ‘currency wars’ and irremediable U.S.-China trade quarrels are overblown – although the prognosis on this front is somewhat mixed. A small step backwards (the yuan devaluation on August 11th) might yet come to reflect the biggest leap forward in Asian economic, trade and financial regionalism in the years and decade ahead.

Sourabh Gupta Senior Research Associate, Samuels Int'l Associates via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1NfumZv

How to Commemorate the Sino-American WWII Alliance

China’s decision to hold a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the WWII is putting Washington again in a position where it can reconcile the wartime animosity between China and Japan.

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

RMB Devaluation: It’s Not the Economy, Stupid!

The 1.8% devaluation of the yuan has started a debate in China-watching circles about whether or not the People’s Bank of China is trying to make the RMB more market-determined, or trying to make boost its exports. Most likely, Beijing is allowing the RMB to find its feet before the IMF review in November.

Michal Meidan, Director, China Matters via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1fjXyzG

Abe’s Speech Gets a Failing Grade

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s speech on the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII proves that he is master of words that couldn’t be reduced to substance.

George Koo, Director, New America Media via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1MsSJ4f

Abe’s Calculations Behind 70th Anniversary Speech

Shinzo Abe finally delivered his speech commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II on August 14. Though the speech did include the “four key words” – “apology”, “remorse”, “aggression” and “colonial rule”, it failed to present a correct outlook on history.

Liu Junhong, Researcher, Chinese Institute of Contemporary Int'l Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1hf4iAS

How China Should Repatriate its Fugitives Abroad

Those who have some knowledge of the Western legal system in general, and the American system in particular, can quickly tell that Beijing is using the wrong approach to repatriating its fugitives hiding in countries with which China has no extradition treaty.

Minxin Pei, Professor, Claremont McKenna College via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1TzFIM6

It Is Time for Japan to Re-Asianize, Starting With a Gesture From Prime Minister Abe

Seven decades after it surrendered to the Allied Forces, it is time for Japan to re-Asianize and come into its own as a fully sovereign nation.

Nathan Gardels Editor-in-chief, THEWORLDPOST via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1PbBSCa

Will RMB Exchange Rate Continue to Depreciate In the Second Half of the Year?

Although the degree of depreciation could be determined by how the Chinese government weighs the advantages and disadvantages of RMB exchange-rate movement, market forces play a more important role, and investors must pay close attention to this.

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

America After the BRICS and SCO Summits

Far from competing with US interests, the two meetings offer blueprints for more and better cooperation with Washington in a new world order.

Yu Sui, Professor, China Center for Contemporary World Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1HFpJ2R

Politicizing the TPP

Washington’s goals in the Trans-Pacific Partnership may have been economic at first, but the most recent negotiations suggest the trade agreement has become a tool of the US ‘pivot to Asia’. A symptom of its quest to contain China, it’s an unworthy goal for the US – and it’s doomed to fail.

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

What Next for China? Market Lessons to Build on.

The tremendous volatility of China’s markets has led to direct and indirect government involvement, which is ultimately a short-term fix. Beijing must re-commit to the opening of its financial markets and to a deepening of capital market reforms.

Curtis S. Chin Former US Ambassador to Asian Development Bank via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1NpIOen

Attitudes to Asian Investment: It All Depends on the Context

Support for Chinese investment has been declining in Canada, particularly because of the concentration of investments in the resource sector. However, attitudes toward Asia can change, depending on the context, the question, and extraneous elements such as negative media coverage of domestic and international events.

Hugh Stephens Senior Fellow, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1IGNiKj

Back to Cold-War Mentality?

Many US scholars see confrontation as the key to preserving the global dominance of the US, even to the point of seeking regime change in China. That outdated outlook is dangerous to all parties in today’s world and a threat to stability.

Chen Jimin Associate Research Fellow, CPC Party School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1DF9E2p

Extradition Challenge

Those who seek refuge in the US have been a thorn in Sino-American relations, and progress on a treaty replacing the case-by-case handling of such issues would be a welcome breakthrough when the leaders of the two countries meet next month. A current case linked to the corruption probe of a family member, however, shows how complicated the issue can be, and transparent handling would help set bilateral ties on a more predictable path.

Mandy Peng via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1P2IylX

La Corte Suprema della Russia esamina il caso dello scioglimento dell’associazione religiosa di Abinsk

La Corte Suprema sosterrà la libertà religiosa dei Testimoni e ribalterà la decisione di sciogliere la loro associazione religiosa ad Abinsk, in Russia?

via JW.ORG - Ricevi gli aggiornamenti http://ift.tt/1P9cePh

Restructuring Woes

Concerns about the wealth gap and debt service linger to keep the US economy from growing at its full potential.

Zhang Monan, Researcher, China Int'l Economic Exchanges Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1eUrLFo

China’s Live Stress Test

China’s current stock market volatility, though not necessarily desirable, represents a natural market correction from its June 12 peak. The economy has undergone a standard cycle of displacement, overtrading, monetary expansion, discredit, and revulsion, all in a matter of less than 12 months.

Andrew Sheng & Xiao Geng From Asia Global Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1eUrLFk

Rogue at Ren’ai Reef

The Philippines manipulative and dishonest actions in the South China Sea have tried Beijing’s patience too far, and perhaps that of the United States as well.

Ma Shikun, Senior Journalis, the People’s Daily via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1SRj7dE

Lessons from the Japanese Sword

Washington’s cozy-up with Japan’s military suggests the US has a short memory about its wartime experience, and Japan’s ultimate intentions should be re-examined.

Jin Ying, Associate Researcher, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1OPChdx

Fishing Incidents Should Not Hijack Overall Relations

Without strict maritime law to monitor fishing activities in common waters, over exploitation and diplomatic wrangling can ensue. The Philippines and China can adopt informal mechanisms, which can even serve as the bedrock for more robust cooperation.

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III Member of Philippine Association for China Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1MM93i3

The Trans-Pacific Divisions

The White House’s effort to hammer the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement in Maui failed. As time is running out for President Obama’s legacy achievement, both Washington and Beijing are reassessing their options.

Dan Steinbock, Research Director, India China and America Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1DoXlH3