China and the U.S.: Two styles of world leadership

September’s global summits saw the U.S. and China agreeing to abide by the Paris Accord on limiting emission of greenhouse gases, an influential and important step in encouraging others to follow their lead. On other issues, the two countries took divergent paths.

George Koo Board Member, New America Media via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2d4z0hz

All-round Upgrade Needed for Chinese Overseas Anti-Terror Capacity

In the wake of the recent embassy attack in Kyrgyzstan, China should not only continue strengthening anti-terror and stability-preservation efforts at home, but also pay greater attention to overseas terrorist threats, and improve its overseas anti-terror capacities.

Jia Chunyang Assistant Research Fellow, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2d1lmYR

How Should China Change Its Policy Toward the Korean Peninsula

Since North Korea conducts nuclear tests frequently and countries like the U.S., Japan, South Korea have strengthened their military deployments in and around the Korean Peninsula, China is facing unprecedented difficulties and challenges there.

Hu Bo Research Fellow, Institute of Ocean Research of Peking University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2dcn4Mr

China’s Role at G20: Team Player and Growth Driver

Standing at what President Xi Jinping calls a “historical new starting line”, China is deepening its involvement in G20 affairs and global governance. Despite geopolitical differences and divisions, major powers have been able to come together under the banner of the G20, with China playing a unifying role.

He Yafei former Vice Minister, State Council Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cnHssB

Trudeau Seeks to Re-set Canada-China Tie

Prime Minister Trudeau must introduce greater balance into Canada’s international trade profile in order to diversify from an overwhelming reliance on the United States and towards a bilateral relationship that will ensure trade growth with China, Canada’s second largest trade partner.

Eric Farnsworth, VP, Council of Americas and Americas Society via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2ciWRpn

U.S. Needs New Approaches for TPP Challenges

The TPP is an important piece of Obama’s strategy of rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific region, and also one of the most important political legacies he’s tried to build before leaving the White House. Any delay in approving the TPP will deal a heavy blow to the US rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region, but faced with the political reality of the US elections, a rethink will be in order.

Wu Zhenglong, Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cM5yfr

Strategic Perceptions and Misperceptions in the South China Sea

Aaron Rabena illuminates the misperceptions the Philippines and China have toward the other’s intentions in the South China Sea, and argues that both sides should be more open to understanding the rationale of each other’s actions and behavior. Specifically, both parties should also commit to non-militarization of the disputed areas while refraining from using confrontational rhetoric and not force each other’s red lines in public so as to avoid either party from losing face. The two countries may likewise adopt formal and informal bilateral mechanisms from the already existing ones and establish a maritime security framework.

Aaron Jed Rabena Fellow, Philippine Council for Foreign Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cEyFE0

On Democratic Paradox

“Democracy” hasn’t always meant free elections, and it’s never meant nivana. China must cherish its traditional political wisdom and governance framework, and gradually improve its political institutions, in order to render them more appropriate to China's modernization. History tells us that blindly copying Western democracies is a path to disaster.

Ding Yifan, Deputy Director, China Development Research Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cBnb0F

China-U.S. Relations Have Entered A “New Normal”

The two governments have been rather successful in managing their differences and avoiding possible crises, and they have the determination and the ability to continue safeguarding the overall China-US relationship. In the new normal, both sides need to direct their efforts at clearly explaining to their people the strategic intent of no conflict and no confrontation as well as their willingness to cooperate.

Wang Jisi, Dean, Peking University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cBp0hB

The U.S. Can Do More to Solve Syrian Crisis

Constructive mediation rather than military intervention is urgently needed, but first all parties must be realistic about the situation on the ground, and open to a political transition through negotiation.

Jin Liangxiang, Research Fellow, Shanghai Institute of Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cWEnkw

Karimov’s Death Could Reshape Sino-Russian Relations

The death of President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan could engender major changes in the Sino-Russian relationship in Central Asia, despite Beijing and Moscow maintaining a harmonious, if not especially close, partnership in the region for years. For now, both China and Russia see Moscow as main foreign actor responsible for ensuring that the political transition in Uzbekistan proceeds in a manner that does not threaten regional stability. However, Beijing might feel pressured to assume a stronger security role in Central Asia if instability and terrorism grows considerably stronger in the region and Russia seems to have lost control of the situation.

Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cJIdN9

South China Sea Dispute: Abuse of World Power

Has the Arbitral Tribunal decision on the South China Sea been misconstrued by main stream U.S. media? Don M. Tow explores the legality of the Permanent Court of Arbitration Ruling, as well as the geopolitical motivations behind it, concluding that the U.S. is responsible for creating unnecessary conflicts with China and destabilizing peace in Asia, as well as the whole world.

Don M. Tow President, New Jersey Alliance for Learning and Preserving the History of WWII in Asia via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cowNtt

China Needs Political Transparency

The People’s growing financial and political impact around the globe means that what happens in China matters everywhere. Thus, stability and predictability are important virtues. Yes, as Doug Bandow argues, political opacity is necessary as the interests of the Chinese coincide with those of outsiders.

Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cUrPKt

Why Trump Is the Failure of the U.S. Democracy?

Whether Trump wins the election or not, we are seeing the failure of the U.S. democracy. Even if Meanwhile, Trump forced the Americans to face the inconvenient truth of their democracy and the dark side of the American society. The discrimination against the minority groups, the disparity between the rich and the poor and the money politics will not disappear just because the mainstream chooses to ignore them.

Zhang Zhixin, Chief of American Political Studies, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cvaCou

In the Power Line Business, ‘Made in USA’ Thrives in China

The missions of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is to help companies create U.S. jobs by exporting U.S. goods and services to emerging economies. As China’s installed power capacity is expected to grow over the next century, members from China’s State Grid visited a factory in South Dakota to upgrade its tools used to maintain power grids around the country.

Susan Chan Shifflett Program Associate, Wilson Center’s China Environment Forum via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cmhX6P

China and U.S. Should Promote Expanded Youth Exchanges

China and the US should seize the development opportunity in the coming 25 years to expand and strengthen young people’s friendship circles in the Asia Pacific, thus enhancing mutual understanding among countries through exchanges in a multilateral framework.

Zhai Kun Professor, Peking University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c9v4ME

China’s Richest Man Is Not Out Of The Red Yet

Wang Jianlin’s intemperate attack on Disneyland earlier this year is out of key with the generally genial image he has cultivated in the media. To date, he has steered clear of the third rail of politics, seemingly content to make money and influence people in the economic realm.

Philip Cunningham, visiting research fellow, Cornell University, New York via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cA7b0p

G20 Hangzhou Summit Underscores China’s Central Role in World Economy

China plays a central role in driving global economic recovery and growth, and hosting the recent meetings showed the country’s potential to lead with new ideas. With the progress of China’s grand rejuvenation, China will be able to contribute more with Chinese wisdom, solutions and power to global economic development.

Yin Chengde Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c6XO90

China and the US Should Collaborate for Global Trade Growth Strategy

Despite the election-year rhetoric in the US, free-trade has been good for both countries and their people, and China and the US should both fight protectionism and support less-restricted trade to lead the global economy back to a path of strong, sustainable and balanced growth.

He Weiwen Co-director, China-US/EU Study Center, China Association of International Trade via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cIMzQB

Kiara Hughes

I believe that a life is best defined by its experiences. The trip to China provided me with a new outlook on what it means to live a full life. I have traveled to many other countries, but I never cease to be amazed by those details that connect us […]

Editorial Board via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c4LxC0

Myanmar: Capturing the Essence of U.S. and Chinese Policy Priorities

If the U.S. and China’s stated goals in both the G20 and the EAS hold true, Southeast Asian countries stand to benefit greatly. As is readily apparent in Myanmar, countries in the region no longer desire to be pawns in a geopolitical economic game, but rather collaborative partners to ensure fair benefits.

Erin Murphy Founder and Principal, Inle Advisory Group via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cPfkvx

The “New Normal” in China-US Military Relations

The China-US military relationship goes beyond its traditional bilateral boundary, and moves into regional and even global arenas. With the Chinese military extending its global reach, it finds more occasions to cooperate with its US counterpart, despite new frictions arising from China’s bilateral disputes with its neighbors, some of whom are U.S. allies.

Yao Yunzhu, Director, China's Academy of Military Science via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cRShDg

Obama’s Legacy in China: War or Peace?

As Monday marked the end of the G20 conference, and what was likely President Obama’s last trip to China during his tenure as president, it is impossible not to look back at his relationship with China and its leaders over the past eight years.

Chi Wang Co-chair and President, U.S.-China Policy Foundation via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c2serc

Pro Bono Legal Aid and the Future Internationalization of Chinese NPOs

Rule of law, human and social rights, and non-profit organizations (NPOs) have all been considered untouchable in foreign discourse on China, yet play a particularly important role in China-U.S. relations. Along with the growing engagement of China in the international arena, the future internationalization of Chinese NPOs is an inevitable process. This short reflection brings the experience of a pro-bono legal aid NPO into the discussion, suggesting the positive traits of the future internationalization of Chinese NPOs.

Hadas Peled doctoral candidate, Tsinghua University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cHRncd

China: Demographics as Destiny

In 15 years China will have the world’s largest elderly population. By 2050, its working-age population will have declined by 200+ million people. China’s rapidly aging population will have a significant impact on all aspects of China, and constructing a social safety net to meet its needs will be both expensive and complicated.

Tom Watkins, Advisor, University of Michigan Confucius Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cDtIqz

Is the US Really “Forsaking” Internet Control?

The US government recently announced it would transfer governance of the Internet to the “global multi-stakeholder community” on Oct 1. This is a major step forward in global Internet governance reform since in March 2014, when the US National Communications and Information Administration formally declared it would surrender control over ICANN.

Tang Lan Deputy Director, Institute of Information and Social Development, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cEkHAf

Challenges for China Visit by U.S. Defense Secretary

A visit to China by Pentagon chief Ashton Carter could help increase mutual understanding, dispel some unnecessary misjudgments, and build more political trust between the two countries and their armed forces. For the sake of improving Sino-U.S. relations, the two sides should have grasped the opportunity rather than beating a retreat in the face of difficulties.

Wu Zurong, Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c6x59C

Thoughts on China-Russia Joint Military Exercise in South China Sea

China and Russia will conduct a joint naval exercise codenamed Joint Sea 2016 in the South China Sea from Sept 12 to 19.

Yu Sui, Professor, China Center for Contemporary World Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2clI69c

A Finale or A Beginning?

As the Obama presidency ends, expect the US-China partnership to become ever more complicated. Beijing and Washington will collaborate more on global issues, non-traditional security matters in particular, while contesting more on strategic domains and regional leadership — but there is still hope to forge a predictable and constructive future.

Shen Dingli Associate Dean, Fudan University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cnMrah

China Needs a Denver

Addressing the systemic imbalances in China's urban system will be a difficult and long-term endeavor. However, as service industries and technology expand their role within the Chinese economy, there's no reason why firms and jobs can't be more evenly spread out across the national network of cities, as they are in the U.S.

Matthew Hartzell Geographer and Urbanist via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bxB3L6

America’s China Policy and Its Implications for Allies

The U.S.-China relationship is probably the most important one that the next president will need to manage. There would be few surprises for Asia in a Clinton presidency who would largely maintain the traditional ‘hedge and engage’ policy towards China. While a Trump presidency could be seen as better for China, allowing more leeway on security issues, adding an additional element of unpredictability that he would bring to China’s already uncertain economy, would not be good for the country or President Xi Jinping.

Xenia Wickett U.S. Project Director, Chatham House via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c1JIGA

Global Growth – Still Made in China

Despite all the hand-wringing over the vaunted China slowdown, the Chinese economy remains the single largest contributor to world GDP growth. For a global economy limping along at stall speed – and most likely unable to withstand a significant shock without toppling into renewed recession – that contribution is all the more important.

Stephen Roach, Faculty Member, Yale University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bPBJGG

Benign Engagement Between Myanmar, China and the United States

The three countries must identify areas of cooperation in Myanmar, such as investment, public service projects among others, and foster a viable cooperation mechanism where interests are shared, risked are distributed. A non-competitive approach will contribute to the economic prosperity of Myanmar and the well-being of its people, and will meet the interests of the three countries and the region at large.

Song Qingrun Associate Professor, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2cjE932

How Donald Trump Demonstrates a Problem with the American Political System

Donald Trump is a symptom of a broader problem with a GOP that has drifted steadily rightward for decades. While the world stares in astonishment at the theatrics of the American general election, a broad consensus is emerging that Donald Trump is not fit to be President of the United States. However, what Trump’s emergence means for America’s two-party system is a bigger question.

David Shorr a strategic thinker and veteran program manager via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c5597s

Regional States Begin Reconciliation in the South China Sea

While the U.S. calls for respect of the given ruling under the Law of the Sea Convention, of which the U.S. is not a signatory, none of the predicted responses from China and the Philippines have come true. On the contrary, both have opted for ‘strategic restraint,’ choosing to use dialogue in order to find common ground.

Sajjad Ashraf Adjunct Professor, National University of Singapore via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2criDbU

Belt and Road Initiative Makes Strong Progress

As the international economic environment is rather complicated, B&R will involve enormous investments, long construction cycles and slow payback, with various risks and challenges. Many projects are well underway, however, from Indonesia to Central Asia, and more and more countries and regions are aligning with the B&R strategy and China’s commitment to mutual benefit.

Fu Mengzi, VP, China Institutes of Contemporary Int'l Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c7cghA

South Korea’s Ongoing THAAD Debate and Sino-U.S. Rivalry

In early July, South Korea decided to allow the United States to deploy the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. At the heart of this issue is the difference in how China and the United States view the role of South Korea and decisions related to the security and stability of the peninsula.

Darcie Draudt non-resident James A. Kelly Korean Studies fellow, Pacific Forum CSIS via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bORXlC

G20 Hangzhou: China and U.S. Should Jointly Promote a New Global Outlook

The world’s two largest economies must lead globalization onto a track of fast progress, to further accentuate “development”, placing more emphasis on “the politics of distribution”, rather than on “the politics of production”.

Zhao Minghao Research Fellow, Charhar Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bHgBaN

Abe Must Take Leaders’ Meetings Seriously, This Time

Not long ago, China, Japan and the ROK finally got their foreign ministers together in Tokyo. The foreign ministers’ meeting naturally had an important mission, and the opportunity it created may, to a considerable extent, reshape the relations among the three countries.

Liu Junhong, Researcher, Chinese Institute of Contemporary Int'l Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bHhdgc

Three Aspects of China-U.S. Relations to Watch at the G-20 Summit

The 2016 G-20 summit will be held on September 4-5 in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. As the host, China stands ready to work with other members under the theme of building an “Innovative, Invigorated, Interconnected and Inclusive World Economy” to hold open discussions over several key priorities to provide […]

Fu Ying Spokeswoman, National People's Congress of China via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c5AW8Q

How a New Popular Drama in China is Reflecting Millennial Economic and Social Realities

A popular drama in China is exploring a rarely discussed reality in China: after 30 years of skyrocketing economic, political and social development, social class has been stratified in the Communist China.

Journalism and Art Student, University of Iowa via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bDYwvl

The US-China Perception Gap in the South China Sea

The United States and China perceive the South China Sea issue in starkly different terms.

David Firestein, VP, EastWest Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2csPjGf

Blessing China’s Takeover of Syngenta: Is the US Taking a Moderate Tack at the Expense of Food Safety?

A key federal committee has just blessed what would be the largest-ever Chinese overseas investment, the $43 billion takeover of the giant farm pesticide and seed corporation, Syngenta. In doing so, the U.S. government is showing acquiescence when issues of national security or key resources are off the table. However, it may also be taking a risk with American food safety.

Eric Harwit Professor, University of Hawaii Asian Studies Program via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bZpXh7

Who Bombed the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan?

At this stage, it will be premature to immediately associate the blast at the Chinese Embassy in Bishkek with the larger context of ethnic separatism in China or Islamic radicalism in Central Asia, despite the high likelihood that Uighur separatist groups will be blamed for the attack in Kyrgyzstan. In general, this blast comes as an unpleasant and unexpected surprise both for Kyrgyzstan and China.

Kemel Toktomushev Research Fellow, University of Central Asia via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bZozes

The G20 and a New Era Global Governance

Chinese concepts and wisdom about “win-win cooperation”, “new type of major-country relationship”, “community of common destiny of all mankind” and “new security concept” will surely contribute to the G20 in the development of solidarity and a partnership spirit.

Wang Yusheng, Executive Director, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bQ3TCd

Supply Gets a Bit Stable While Demand Weakens

China’s macro challenge: Stay problem-oriented and target-oriented, considerably alleviate the financing difficulty of the private enterprises, reduce excess capacity, foster a driving force for a new growth and stimulate private investment – all while speeding up supply-side structural reform.

Niu Li, Director of Macro-economy Studies, State Information Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bAC9Wt

Assessing U.S.-China Relations Under the Obama Administration

From the time President Obama assumed office in 2009 to the present, positive U.S.-China relations have been vital to the two countries and to the world at large. Forty-four years after establishing diplomatic relations, the world’s two greatest economic powers have forged unprecedentedly close ties. Unsurprisingly, the current relationship reflects varying degrees of cooperation as well as competition.

Cheng Li, Director, Brookings Institution via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c4P1k5

China’s Global Image Improves, New Survey Finds

From January to March 2016 the Center for International Communication Studies under the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration, Millward Brown and Lightspeed GMI jointly conducted the fourth global survey of China’s national image. The survey interviewed citizens of 19 member countries of the G20, covering Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, […]

China-US Focus via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2by911M

America’s China Policy and its Implications for Allies

The U.S.-China relationship is probably the most important one that the next president will need to manage. There would be few surprises for Asia in a Clinton presidency who would largely maintain the traditional ‘hedge and engage’ policy towards China. While a Trump presidency could be seen as better for China, allowing more leeway on security issues, adding an additional element of unpredictability that he would bring to China’s already uncertain economy, would not be good for the country or President Xi Jinping.

Xenia Wickett U.S. Project Director, Chatham House via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c1JIGA

Led by China, G20 Must Reverse the Eclipse of Globalization

As China assumes G20 leadership, the prospect of global “protectionism” is on the rise and the stakes could not be higher for cooperation and major structural reforms. Without continued investment and trade, secular stagnation in advanced economies and growth deceleration in emerging economies will continue to broaden.

Dan Steinbock, Research Director, India China and America Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c0V3mU