G20 Committed to Inclusive Development

The Group of 20 summit was held in Antalya, Turkey on 15-16 November. Leaders of the member states vowed to strive for a strong and inclusive growth of economy with enhanced investment as the growth engine. They pledged to increase inclusiveness in action so that the growth will benefit everybody.

Zhuang Yu, Liu Cun via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Nk8A1I

Playing the “Great Game” between U.S. and China in Burma

China and the U.S. are waging a bitter but so far nonviolent struggle in Burma. And the U.S. appears to be winning. For Burma, opening to the West was the answer; sanctions were eased, Western leaders rushed to visit, and business investment flowed in.

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

What This APEC Summit Tells Us

The push for inclusive approaches and development reflects honest commitment to advancing economic cooperation with open mechanisms and flexible pathways. Non-economic issues such as the global fight against terrorism can be addressed with similarly pragmatic and honest approaches.

Yu Sui, Professor, China Center for Contemporary World Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Iljit3

New U.S. Base Crisis in Okinawa Highlights Flaws in Obama’s “Rebalance” Strategy

In Tokyo, the Abe government is creating a new base in which the use of any U.S. air, sea, or ground forces will be unrestricted. Part of the Obama administration’s aim to maintain unchallengeable American military supremacy in East Asia, the construction of this base is already increasing tension throughout the region.

Stephen Harner, Former US State Department Official via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/21ob8Gy

Climate Financing Holds Key to Paris Conference

Historically, international development cooperation without financing arrangements often had no future. Although the Paris Conference opens now, there has been no systemic progress on climate financing. If developed countries fail to make clear arrangements on how to finance the $100 billion target, developing countries may well refuse to sign on the final agreement. It is therefore essential for the parties to reach a realistic and politically acceptable financing scheme.

Han Liqun Researcher, China Institutes of Contemporary Int'l Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1NXjxaf

Root Causes of International Terrorism

While outside interference in Middle Eastern affairs has done nothing to improve the employment situation, build strong and efficient political structure, and prompt a solid union against terrorism, a kind of regional security structure including major regional powers and external powers is urgently needed. In this regard, the U.S. can do a lot, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative should be another opportunity for a fresh approach.

Jin Liangxiang, Research Fellow, Shanghai Institute of Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1jn3rhu

South China Sea Arbitration and the Reach and Limits of International Law

Manilla’s arbitration requests in the South China Sea concern the standing of “historic rights”; the status of certain land features in these waters and the maritime entitlements they are capable of generating; and the lawfulness of certain Chinese land reclamation and law enforcement actions. Likely neither Beijing nor Manilla will walk away dejected, however.

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

APEC Manila: A Tale of Two Summits

Manila’s just-completed Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) consisted of two parts. The official summit agreed on the need to fight terrorism, enhance economic growth, reduce poverty and increase climate change resiliency. Unofficially, the huge political gulf between the U.S. and China over the South China Sea was on display.

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

International Counter-Terrorism Needs American Strategic Focus

The U.S. must shoulder the responsibility of uniting the civilized world against terrorists and extremists, leading an effort to set aside differences among allies so that they can focus on a whole-hearted effort to eliminate this global threat.

Fu Xiaoqiang Director, Institute of Security and Arms Control, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1IfcB6j

Taiwan Issue: Which Side Is Time on?

If the ‘92 Consensus is respected, which is already the bottom line for a healthy cross-strait relationship, interactions could advance in ways benefiting both sides, which will continue to enjoy the bonus of the peace and economic cooperation. Efforts to put distance between Taipei and Beijing, whether made by domestic or outside parties, can only damage both sides of the relationship.

Zhang Zhixin, Chief of American Political Studies, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1TbxmGp

APEC 2015: Change Is in the Air

APEC 2015 ended with a vow to combat terrorism, yet the Summit refused to be distracted from its true goal – economic development. In the coming years, the United States, China, and the Association of Southeast Nations must compromise if they truly want to invest in both regional peace and economic development.

Dan Steinbock, Research Director, India China and America Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1N5h4JY

South China Sea Should not be an ADMM-PLUS Issue

Washington’s move to politicize this meeting simply reflects the growing frustration of a US that doesn’t know how to deal with China. This time it has taken a wrong approach to confront China at the wrong occasion. The result was not helpful in improving relations among the countries concerned.

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

Growth and Peace Dictate China’s National Security Policy

The Chinese government believes that development is key in solving all problems in China: Development is the foundation for security, and security is the guarantee for development while China seeks political solutions through peaceful consultations, opposes intervention into other countries’ internal affairs, and promotes the global governance system to be more equitable and reasonable.

Wen Bing Senior Researcher, Academy of Military Science via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1PJhcFI

New Consensus Reached for the 13th Five-Year-Plan

Except for the disruptive years of the “cultural revolution”, the five-year planning system has given the country a unified strategic outlook, especially in the recent years of opening up and development. The current CPC Central Committee is steering the Chinese government, in the coming five years, to emphasize people’s livelihood and well-being, and to effectively promote economic transformation and consolidation.

Qin Xiaoying, Research Scholar, China Foundation For Int'l and Strategic Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1X29fQh

How Much Will China’s 13th Five-Year Plan Contribute to World Economy?

In the past, people measured China’s contribution to global economic growth through China’s GDP growth. But many factors in the GDP are the profits created by the foreign companies’ investments in China, so new ways of looking at the impact of China’s economy are in order.

Ding Yifan, Deputy Director, China Development Research Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1PP598k

Continue to Strive for an Open Economy in the Asia-Pacific

A free-trade agreement for the Asia-Pacific would capitalize on the capabilities and the diversity of APEC countries. As broached by China in 1996, an open economy in the Asia-Pacific is a step toward common development, prosperity and progress for the whole region.

Wang Yusheng, Executive Director, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1MWmrv6

Some Reflections on the Terrorist Attacks in Paris

There must be a fundamental policy shift embraced by all countries to eliminate the breeding ground of terrorism and violent extremism. Eradicating poverty, achieving balanced global development, strengthening the effectiveness and inclusiveness of global governance mechanisms, and showing respect for the rights of peoples to choose the development road are the essential policy objectives.

Chen Jimin Associate Research Fellow, CPC Party School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1kG9H5z

Why President Carter Is Popular in China

As the President of the United States while relations between the U.S. and China normalized, former President Jimmy Carter has enjoyed popularity among Chinese. However, it is his profound understanding of Chinese systems that maintains his appeal.

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

Problems with U.S. Version of Freedom of Navigation

Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is the basic norm of international relations. The US is duty-bound to make a careful study of China’s solemn position on this vital issue and show proper respect for China’s sovereignty instead of taking provocative actions based on contrived legal interpretations.

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

Xi-Ma Meeting Unwinds Risks in Cross-Strait Relations

The leaders reaffirmed the fundamentally important role of the 1992 Consensus in maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, offering a status quo of peace and development. It provides guidance to the future development of cross-Strait relations, and all parties should value that no matter who wins Taiwan’s 2016 elections.

Zhu Songling, Professor, Beijing Union University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1MjbhDe

U.S. and Russia Shouldn’t Revisit Cold War

If big powers show courage and set aside their differences, and work together in a just, balanced intervention under the framework international law, they will not only help the Syrians out of hardship and avoid long-term instability in the region, they may also find a new way to prevent similar armed conflicts in the future.

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

2015 Manila APEC Summit: Continuities from the 2014 Beijing Summit

The Philippine’s theme of this year's APEC Summit is “Building Inclusive Economies, Building A Better World.” Like the case for China's 2014 hosting, this 2015 agenda reflects clear Philippine domestic imperatives. As a major labor exporter, the Philippines will work well with the topic of investments in human capital development.

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III Assistant Professorial Lecturer, De La Salle University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1QGdagD

China Shapes the World and Life

The world has to respect the patience of the People's Republic of China's vision to take the long view of reuniting with Taiwan in a peaceful manner. This is not only in the best interest of the people of China and Taiwan, but all of humanity.

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

A Cross-Straits Meeting of the Minds

The tacit accord achieved by Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou reflects the leaders’ confidence and wisdom to tackle tough problems in an easy manner -- and open minds that can reach a compromise with friends. Cross-Strait relations have developed peacefully for over seven years and reached a milestone at the meeting.

Huang Jiashu Professor, Renmin University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1ONcPt0

China Should not Respond to U.S. Patrols in the South China Sea

In October, the USS Lassen sailed within twelve nautical miles of an artificial Chinese island in the South China Sea as a “freedom of navigation patrol.” Benjamin Reynolds argues that China should not risk a military confrontation by responding to American patrols.

Ben Reynolds Writer and Foreign Policy Analyst in New York via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1ljKDBp

Carter Details U.S. Response to China’s Strategic Challenge

Richard Weitz reviews the recent speech of U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, who describes China’s potential to challenge the U.S.-built international order through its assertive stance in the South China Sea, and finds his approach sensible, given the mixed and fluid strategic relationship between the two countries.

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

Soy What? How China’s Growing Appetite is Transforming the Port of Oakland

Rising incomes, limited farmland, and polluted water and soil has prompted China to look overseas for agriculture imports. Over the last decade, the United States has been China’s top agricultural partner and this relationship looks likely to continue and indeed strengthen.

Susan Chan Shifflett Program Associate, Wilson Center’s China Environment Forum via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1iYePAn

Innovation not Imitation a Key to Better China-US Relations

Should China finally move to better police both the makers and the distributors of counterfeit and shoddy products, the nation’s leaders could also take a page from California’s experiences and do more to seek to spur innovation, rather than imitation.

Curtis S. Chin, Former US Ambassador to Asian Development Bank via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1HLzv51

China’s Unwilling Consumers

When it comes to economic rebalancing, China will need to be patient, recognizing that the current generation is simply too fixated on saving to provide the kind of surge in consumption that is needed. There are steps policymakers can take to accelerate progress, but, until the next generation grows up, real progress will have to wait.

Keyu Jin Professor via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1SkBfIa

Violation of International Law in the Name of International Law

US naval actions in the South China Sea are about hegemony and power politics, a prevailing pursuit in the world in the 19th century, under the cloak of a 21st century pretense to safeguard freedom of navigation and international justice. The reality is: The US wants to check any expansion of Chinese power in the South China Sea.

Hu Bo Research Fellow, Institute of Ocean Research of Peking University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1PpqQNz

Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Perspectives from Central Asia

The SCO emerged as a convenient platform for the Central Asian leadership to preserve domestic status quo by accommodating the ambitions of both Moscow and Beijing within one framework. However, the SCO fails to project itself as an effective regional organization, and is perceived more so as a discussion forum.

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

China Should Propose Discussions with America to Solve the North Korean Crisis

Many U.S. policymakers see China as the answer to North Korean proliferation, but the People’s Republic of China has not yet proved willing to abandon its sole ally. China’s interest is almost purely negative, avoiding what the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea could become.

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

US Should Recognize Times Are Changing

If Washington embraces cooperation instead of pursuing rivalry, all partners can harvest good results, and the US can still be a powerful partner. Why not do so?

Wang Yusheng, Executive Director, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1iTbfHK

China Is not Exporting Deflation

Fluctuations in China’s currency and economy don’t have the wild effect on the global markets that many critics allege, and such accusations distract from a needed collective focus on maintaining stability.

He Yafei Vice Minister, Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1WMammQ

China Should not Respond to U.S. Patrols in the South China Sea

In October, the USS Lassen sailed within twelve nautical miles of an artificial Chinese island in the South China Sea as a “freedom of navigation patrol.” Benjamin Reynolds argues that China should not risk a military confrontation by responding to American patrols.

Benjamin Friedman, Research fellow, Cato Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1ljKDBp

China’s One-Child Calamity

Minxin Pei recognizes some brutal consequences of the one-child policy, and implores for outsiders and Chinese alike to emphasize the senseless cruelty that such measures imply and work to ensure that they are never seen again.

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

Venezuela’s Leaders and the Chinese Trough

Corruption, however, while a persistent illness with a debilitating and self-generating momentum, is not exclusive to China. If truth be told, China’s largesse abroad is also a major source of corruption and fraud, especially when it involves government-to-government transactions where transparency and accountability are absent.

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

What We Need to Know About the European Refugee Crisis

Fundamentally, solving the refugee crisis cannot only rely on having more police, more funds, or more physical walls and fences separating the migrants; the root cause of chaos in the Middle East and North Africa must be eliminated.

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

A Golden Era for China-U.K. Relations

Britain knows that in order to propel its economy, China and other Asian economies are indispensable partners. While stronger China-UK ties signal a changing international landscape and the diminishing predominance of the United States, they also open a path for Washington and other Western capitals to boost ties with China.

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

Nature and Wealth: A Parable from Beijing

Beijing’s air pollution – and the stark contrast between how the rich and poor are able to respond to the problem, is a theme of developing economics. To address the current structural imbalance Barbier suggests tackling the twin problems of excessive environmental degradation and insufficient human capital, which he calls a “Balanced Wealth Strategy.”

Edward B. Barbier John S. Bugas Professor of Economics, University of Wyoming via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1OALM41

How the U.S. Bolsters China’s Pakistan Strategy at Its Own Expense

America needs to fix its Pakistan policy, which permits the Pakistani military to nurture more transnational terrorists. The policy also plays into China’s hands by helping Beijing to cement the Sino-Pakistan nexus. Pakistan is an asset for China to keep India boxed in, but a burden for America’s geostrategic interests.

Brahma Chellaney, Professor, Center for Policy Research via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1kEZUMu

Syria’s Nightmare: Diverging US and Chinese Policies, and Global Repercussions

Syria’s disintegration exemplifies the eclipse of U.S.-sponsored regime changes, whereas Chinese policy holds the promise of economic development. But time for a global solution is running out.

Dan Steinbock, Research Director, India China and America Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1MRv7cd

TPP Should Be Inclusive

The free-trade deal seems more firmly rooted in politics than economics, lacking both fairness and transparency, and that doesn’t bode well for a harmonious world order.

Chen Yonglong, Xue Junying China Foundation for International Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1MRv689

US Should Be Mindful of Japan’s Ambition for Nuclear Weapons

Because of both past history and the extreme potential danger posed by the weapons themselves, people have reason to demand that Japan show an honest and responsible attitude, and to take action to dispel concerns of the international community about its nuclear intentions.

Feng Zhaokui, Honorary Academician, CASS via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1HfcNax

Nobel Peace Prize Salutes the Road to Peace and Stability

The award was not an endorsement behind the ideals of the Arab Spring, which has dissolved into chaos. The prize honors the country’s choice of dialogue instead of confrontation, and engaging in negotiation instead of opening fire.

He Wenping, Senior Fellow, Chahar Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1HfcNar

The TPP that No One Seems Behind

For those who oppose the TPP, much as been made of the secret nature in which the treaty was negotiated. Walker Rowe summarizes some major sectors that will be affect by the treaty, and thus trying to influence a rather fractured and unpopular trade agreement.

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

Methane Hydrates: China’s Real South China Sea Goal?

Could access to methane hydrates be behind China’s territorial aggressiveness in the South China Sea? Instead of saber-rattling, China to deploy its sophisticated technology backed by the deep pockets of its Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to create ‘partnerships’ with the Philippines and Vietnam to develop these offshore resources

Stewart Taggart Founder & Principal, Grenatec via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1XRHV48

Inserting itself in the South China Sea disputes and sending a warship to the waters close to China’s islands and reefs, the U.S. risks escalating the trend of militarization in the region. While the two countries need “quiet diplomacy” to resolve differences, further escalation in U.S. military actions will certainly alienate the general public of China and cause a tougher military response, significantly amplifying the risk of a conflict between the two countries.

Zhang Tuosheng, Director, China Foundation for Int'l Strategic Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1HsDinA

Reckless Provocation is Counterproductive

On 27 October, the U.S.S. Lassen sailed within 12 nautical miles of the Subi Reef in the South China Sea, a move that has caused an uproar. The Chinese government has unequivocally pointed out that this reckless operation of the US constitutes a severe provocation against China in both political […]

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

Time to Take Inventory of Socioeconomic Achievements

The expansion of the Chinese economy and the resulting improvements in the lives of Chinese people have been impressive outcomes of the just-ending Five-Year Plan, despite the recent slowdown in the economy. The blueprint for (2016-2020) is taking shape to build on that progress.

Chen Bin PHD, State Information Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1GKzm70