Chinese American Voters: A Curiously Overlooked Demographic

China-related messaging from both parties has been scattered, providing limited examples and talking points for economic and foreign policy discussions and rarely ever drawing connections to Chinese American voters. Republicans will continue to lose the Asian American vote if they don’t reshape their stances on immigration, trade policy and defense. Democrats can expect to keep the Asian American vote in general elections, but candidates for internal races will perform better if they court Asian Americans for the party coalition.

Colin Moreshead, Freelancer in Tokyo via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1ROqagB

Self-Determination – With Chinese Characteristics

The unspoken trade-off between the Chinese rulers and the ruled seems to be: If our lives improve, then you can remain in power. So far, the Chinese Communist Party has been adept at reading the tealeaves and adapting to the times, and will need to gradually change further as the economy slows down.

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

Giant China Recognizes Tiny Gambia

In mid-March, Mainland China and the Gambia re-opened official links that had been severed since 1995 when the Gambia recognized the Republic of China (Taiwan) instead of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). China will have undoubted leverage for boosting the Gambia’s economic growth.

Robert I. Rotberg Founding Director of Program on Intrastate Conflict, Harvard Kennedy School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1VV0nJQ

Manufacturing Jobs Aren’t Coming Back, Ever

The manufacturing jobs that the U.S. lost in the preceding decades did not move on to China – they no longer exist. There is no way to bring back these jobs as machines can do them better, and cheaper, than any American worker. The solution to our present dilemma certainly isn’t a manufacturing revival, but it may be a 20-hour workweek.

Ben Reynolds Writer and Foreign Policy Analyst in New York via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Y1i4Wu

Four Major Misjudgments by U.S. Military Commanders

Depending on military might to preserve US dominance of the globe is a strategic error on four counts, and that approach is oblivious to both China’s peaceful rise and the real desires of China’s neighbors.

Wu Zurong, Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1U7ZU7e

Curbing Ivory Trade Requires Curbing of Foreign Demand

Effectively reducing the killing of African elephants and rhinoceroses depends more on curbing the foreign demand for tusks and horn than on localized national endeavors to combat poachers. China is cooperating with African nations, but more must be done to abate the cultural appetite for ivory.

Robert I. Rotberg Founding Director of Program on Intrastate Conflict, Harvard Kennedy School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S3ySL1

China’s Economic Identity Crisis

Chinese leaders' emphasis on the "supply-side reform" could indicate a premature shift away from the consumer-led model back to China’s comfort zone of a producer model that has long been more amenable to the industrial engineering of central planning.

Stephen Roach, Faculty Member, Yale University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/25tvgch

China’s New Economic Plans: Implications for China, Asia and the Global Economy

This timely conference will take place just after the release of China’s 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) at the National People’s Congress in Beijing. It will open with a presentation on China’s One Belt One Road strategy by the Former Chairman of China’s Banking Regulatory Commission, followed by two panels of senior China experts from the public and private sectors.

Editorial Board via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/21Qk3Oz

The Struggle for Brazil – And Against the BRICS

While international media focuses on Brazil’s mass demonstrations against corruption, efforts behind the façade precipitate regime change, restoration of a pre-Lula order, and a struggle against the BRICS nations. The U.S. feels threatened by an era of multipolarity, which deeply implicates China, and other emerging economies.

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

China’s Role in African Security Issues

Beijing employs economic and diplomatic tools to promote security in Africa while Western countries tend to rely on military means. While international pundits often anticipate Chinese military action in Africa, the country believes in non-interference in external affairs, with officials citing history’s record that military interventions generally become part of the problem, not the solution.

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

Political Motives Behind U.S. Military Operations in South China Sea

With the deployment of advanced weaponry and coupled with extensive media coverage, the US military has put on a show similar to a Hollywood blockbuster. But war is not imminent: The US simply hopes to increase China’s costs for such sovereignty-defending activities through military, political, diplomatic and media tools – and embarrass China diplomatically.

Hu Bo Research Fellow, Institute of Ocean Research of Peking University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1q1IiNT

Building Order in a Multipolar Era

The process of globalization has dramatically transformed state-to-state relations at regional levels: As bonds of community of interest are being formulated on greater scales, cooperation will become essential for coexistence in the future. China-US cooperation in the construction of regional order for the Asia-Pacific is not only in their fundamental interests, but also the two major countries’ historical responsibility for the area.

Cui Liru, Former President, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RwAt9S

On Building a New Model of Major-Country Relations Between China and the United States

On 19 March, when attending the China Development Forum 2016 at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, former State Councilor Dai Bingguo had a dialogue with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger on the issue of avoiding the "Thucydides Trap".

Dai Bingguo former State Councilor via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RyMopM

Getting Asia in

At this year’s Munich Security Conference, the focus was clearly on the relations between Russia and the West and the dire consequences for international peace and security.

Janka Oertel Special Research Fellow, Pangoal Institution via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/22yUSpd

Local Five-Year Plans Reveal National Priorities

China’s 13th Five-Year Plan, an economic and social blueprint, could give important insights to U.S. companies planning China business strategies, by providing industry specific plans, local designations for free trade zones, and new policies across the country.

Owen Haacke chief representative, US-China Business Council’s Shanghai Team via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RxNn6E

China Needs to “Move Out of History” Regarding the DPRK

The Chinese policy towards the DPRK was not made purely out of geopolitical considerations but developed its shape today due to many different factors, from a centuries’today duception of the Korean Peninsula as a security shield to Cold War solidarity. Beijing-Pyongyang relations would be better-served viewed through a contemporary lens.

Niu Jun Professor, Peking University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RcZg68

U.S. Presidential Race Deviates from Mainstream Politics

The campaign roils with entertaining tactics and distractions as voters shrug off elite candidates and embrace mavericks. There is no perfect presidential candidate or perfect president, and after weighing their advantages and disadvantages, the less disadvantaged should be chosen.

Yin Chengde Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/22GGAzD

Quality Growth Needed to Build a Prosperous Society

China’s new Five-Year Plan emphasizes the quality of growth rather than speed as the country enters a period of ‘new normal’. Maintaining 6.5 percent of economic growth is a priority, but it is even more important to keep such a growth rate sustainable and to channel that growth toward improving the quality of life for the majority of Chinese citizens.

Niu Li, Director of Macro-economy Studies, State Information Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1o7wgB6

Local Five-Year Plans Reveal National Priorities

China’s 13th Five-Year Plan, an economic and social blueprint, could give important insights to U.S. companies planning China business strategies, by providing industry specific plans, local designations for free trade zones, and new policies across the country.

Owen Haacke chief representative, US-China Business Council’s Shanghai Team via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RxNn6E

Four Major Misjudgments by U.S. Military Commanders

Depending on military might to preserve US dominance of the globe is a strategic error on four counts, and that approach is oblivious to both China’s peaceful rise and the real desires of China’s neighbors.

Wu Zurong, Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1U7ZU7e

Political Motives Behind U.S. Military Operations in South China Sea

With the deployment of advanced weaponry and coupled with extensive media coverage, the US military has put on a show similar to a Hollywood blockbuster. But war is not imminent: The US simply hopes to increase China’s costs for such sovereignty-defending activities through military, political, diplomatic and media tools – and embarrass China diplomatically.

Hu Bo Research Fellow, Institute of Ocean Research of Peking University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1q1IiNT

Do Chinese Netizens Really Want a President Trump?

Mainland buzz about the Republican frontrunner is less about Trump than it is a reaction to US attitudes about China, and his “fans” are really sending a coded message.

Ma Shikun, Senior Journalis, the People’s Daily via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/21Gfarf

Xi Jinping’s Other “Chinese Dream”

Xi Jinping is a big fan of soccer, and is driving momentum to bring China to the World Cup by overhauling the state ministries comprehensively laying the groundwork for a plan to promote soccer at a young age.

Elaine Dunn Editor, China Insight via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RjsYD3

Agenda 2016 for China-U.S. Cooperation

Completing a bilateral investment treaty and ensuring the success of the G20 summit in Hangzhou later this year will prove the superiority of cooperation over friction in relations between the two nations and provide a boost to world peace and development.

Wu Jianmin Former President, China Foreign Affairs University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S4D2j5

China Needs to “Move Out of History” Regarding the DPRK

The Chinese policy towards the DPRK was not made purely out of geopolitical considerations but developed its shape today due to many different factors, from a centuries’today duception of the Korean Peninsula as a security shield to Cold War solidarity. Beijing-Pyongyang relations would be better-served viewed through a contemporary lens.

Niu Jun Professor, Peking University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RcZg68

International Order in a Time of Transition

Washington and Beijing have strengthened cooperation in coping with global challenges as climate change and pandemic control, and seen remarkable achievements. Such co-existence and interweaving of competition and cooperation will become the New Normal of China-US ties for a fairly long period of time, though challenges in North Korea and Afghanistan will test that potential.

Cui Liru, Former President, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1XJr4iT

Prospects of U.S.-China Cooperation over Healthcare

Unlike security-related issue areas, the dynamic of U.S.-China health cooperation is largely insulated from the fluctuations of domestic politics and strategic foundations. Effective bilateral cooperation is under way in HIV/AIDS prevention and control, in food and drugs safety, and in addressing international public health emergencies.

Yanzhong Huang, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1SeRjw6

Assessing Where Hillary Clinton Really Stands

In the past, Clinton has openly rebuffed the notion of a “China threat” and the “zero-sum game theory” regarding China-US relations, saying instead that the two countries should jointly rise up against challenges as two people in the same boat. More recently she has been more critical of China, but it is in China’s best interest to continue to reach out in a positive way to any US leader.

Wang Yusheng, Executive Director, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Rwv0VT

Less Face-saving, More Problem-oriented

The Chinese premier’s frankness in his report embodied not only decision-makers’ policy orientations, but also a profound people-first mentality that will be of far-reaching significance.

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

Will the Renminbi Devalue?

The Renminbi surprised the world markets by its unexpected devaluations first in August 2015 and then in January 2016. The author argues that the Renminbi is unlikely to devalue abruptly and significantly going forward, even though there may be small fluctuations in the Renminbi exchange rate.

Lawrence Lau Professor of Economics, the Chinese University of Hong Kong via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Lu5mi9

What the “Trump Phenomenon” Tells Us

The rise of “angry Republicans” crystallizes the polarization of rich and poor in the United States over the past few decades, and ironically they have found a champion in a famous billionaire. Other symptoms, such as systemic political decay and dysfunctional government, also drive populist sentiments that are rising fast in American politics among both liberals and conservatives.

He Yafei former Vice Minister, State Council Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1LpH2Ov

China-U.S. Relations and the May 2016 Philippine Elections

Despite some negative social costs, most Philippine presidential candidates welcome American presence in the country because it provides deterrence from China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea. But China is very wary of EDCA and the subsequent increase of U.S. military presence in the Philippines because of Beijing’s long-standing fear of American containment.

Rommel C. Banlaoi Director, Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S5KI7i

Implications of U.S. Carrier Strike Group Deployment in South China Sea

The US promise of promoting peace and stability in the South China Sea may sound familiar to regional players as they have heard very same slogans many times in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria. All regional countries have to make concerted efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Liu Haiyang Research Fellow, Nanjing University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1QZYQPk

China’s Agricultural Policy and the Urban Labor Shortage

Five Year Plan contains an important proposal that has largely been overlooked: the ‘professionalization and modernization’ of agriculture. The history of agricultural development in countries like the United States suggests the destabilizing consequences in the Chinese countryside. Bio-intensive agriculture and permaculture techniques could solve China’s food supply problem with a moderate investment in education and farm equipment.

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

Curbing Ivory Trade Requires Curbing of Foreign Demand

Effectively reducing the killing of African elephants and rhinoceroses depends more on curbing the foreign demand for tusks and horn than on localized national endeavors to combat poachers. China is cooperating with African nations, but more must be done to abate the cultural appetite for ivory.

Robert I. Rotberg Founding Director of Program on Intrastate Conflict, Harvard Kennedy School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S3ySL1

U.S. Upgrading Economic Ties with ASEAN amid China’s Growing Influence

Divergence and competition between the two major players has intensified as both economies and their business communities want to seize the initiative in developing a more profound and mutually beneficial economic relationship with ASEAN. But there is still room for win-win-win results in this tri-cornered interaction.

Gong Ting Research Fellow, China Institute of International Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1YZ9rgp

What the “Trump Phenomenon” Tells Us

The rise of “angry Republicans” crystallizes the polarization of rich and poor in the United States over the past few decades, and ironically they have found a champion in a famous billionaire. Other symptoms, such as systemic political decay and dysfunctional government, also drive populist sentiments that are rising fast in American politics among both liberals and conservatives.

He Yafei former Vice Minister, State Council Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1LpH2Ov

China’s 13th Five Year Plan and US Business

The years ahead offer parallel tracks for growth for both countries, and an “early harvest” for US enterprises, if opportunities are seized in areas such as innovation, Internet plus, reducing capacity, expanding the service sector – especially in healthcare -- and developing emerging industries.

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

Chinese Views on Global Governance Since 2008–9: Not Much New

China’s ideology of global governance shows much continuity between the pre- and post-2008–9 periods. Authoritative Chinese views all generally indicate that China’s proposed changes to the existing international order.

Mandy Peng via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1LnUFh6

Why China Has Not Sent Troops to Strike the Islamic State

China has neither the military infrastructure nor the political will to strike IS forces on the ground in the Middle East. But China continues to build its military capacity and is by no means looking for a “free ride” in the Middle East.

Wang Zhen Director of Security Studies Program, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1SOWhSt

Feeling the China Effect Globally

In today’s world, events in China, both positive and negative, are affecting nearly every continent. China should grasp the future of Latin America by seriously considering a series of policy shifts that won’t alienate its intentions from cooperation with the U.S.

Fernando Menéndez Economist via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S1i4nK

Why the U.S. and China Must Tackle the Saudi Menace of Jihadism

At a time when the conflict within Islam has sharpened between Sunnis and Shias and between fundamentalists and reformers, the House of Saud — the world’s No. 1 promoter of radical Islamic extremism — is increasingly playing the sectarian card, even at the risk of deepening the schisms. This aggressive activism carries significant implications for U.S. interests, from the Middle East to Asia.

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

Will Sanctions Against North Korea Work This Time?

Pyongyang should pay a price for its violation of Security Council resolutions, but punishment by itself will not magically solve the nuclear problem. If sanctions could not be translated into a strategic rethink, they will only add more pain to the ordinary North Koreans' already miserable life.

Fan Jishe, Senior Fellow, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Llpdjz

Dialogue Represents the Way Forward

High-level talks between China and the US have served to stabilize bilateral ties, making agreement possible on tougher sanctions against the DPRK and setting the stage for an imminent summit meeting between the two countries’ leaders.

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

China Has Become More Confident in Diplomacy

Making the case that China is growing strong without becoming a troublemaker, the foreign minister’s frank press conference reflects the sense of responsibility China takes to the international stage.

Su Xiaohui, Deputy Director of Int'l & Strategic Studies, CIIS via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1TRhTzb

The Zika Virus and Possible Solutions

After its third infection with Zika, China is stepping up monitoring its citizens in Latin America. Globalization has made it easier for mosquitoes to move about the globe, which are spurring scientists to find solutions, such as creating genetically modified mosquitoes that render entire populations infertile.

Walker Rowe, Publisher, Southern Pacific Review via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RDjP7R

G20’s Mission and China’s Role in Fulfilling It

China will use its presidency to focus on growth and guide international economic cooperation, and promote the new foreign policy concepts Beijing has adopted in recent years such as “win-win cooperation”, “a new model of major-country relationship” and “a global community of shared future” – all aimed at creating a better future for the world.

Liu Cun G20 Observer via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RaPhQK

Why Donald Trump Will Be Better for U.S.-China Relations than Marco Rubio or Hillary Clinton

Trump’s comments about disadvantageous global trade deals with China could be considered stylistic simplifications—unlikely to be translated into policies—of the position that the U.S. government has sacrificed the interests of the majority, in order to maintain what can only be described as a global “empire.” A Trump presidency could actually usher in more peaceful China-U.S. relations.

Stephen Harner, Former US State Department Official via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1p9LpCS

Eight Myths about China-U.S. Relations

The two countries are not rushing toward collision but thriving on forward-moving, parallel tracks. That’s been the record for more than 30 years, despite fretful narratives of potential conflict.

Yu Sui, Professor, China Center for Contemporary World Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/221NXVo

US-ASEAN Summit: Is the US Catching up with China?

With its thriving economy, accelerating integration and evolving challenges to the security environment, ASEAN is destined to become an increasingly important region of the world. Its population is bigger than the combined population of the U.S. and Japan, and it represents a major frontier market.

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III Assistant Professorial Lecturer, De La Salle University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1LQ5xnH