Obama Administration Policy in the Asia-Pacific

The following is the prepared speech by Antony J. Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States in his testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington, DC on April 27. The text of the speech was made public originally on the U.S. State Department website. We make […]

China-US Focus via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1pNCMxK

China’s Xi Proposes Pathway to Building a “Cooperative and Sustainable Security” in Asia

Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 28 addressed the opening ceremony of the fifth foreign ministers' meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Beijing, further elaborating his vision on security in Asia. He also touches upon China's position on security hotpots in the region, including North Korea, Afghanistan, Syria and South China Sea.

China-US Focus Editorial Board via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1NZdoep

Persistent Suitor: Washington Wants India as an Ally to Contain China

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter visited Delhi in mid-April, and along with $14 billion in supposed defensive military items from the U.S., as well as a cancelled Beijing trip, unease has spread in China’s defense community. It appears that mutual concerns about China’s ambitions are principal driving force in the China-U.S. bilateral relationship.

Ted Galen Carpenter Senior Fellow, Cato Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1QDTa9P

Different Cultures Breed Different Diplomacies

As we enter a new age of globalization with ever deepening economic interdependence and widening gap between rich and poor, cultural interactions and mutual enrichment among nations become the essential determinant in global governance.

He Yafei former Vice Minister, State Council Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1pEmqr4

Recognizing China’s Internet Governance Despite Its Foundational Opposition to Western Values

Rogier Creemers argues that for global Internet continuity, the West must recognize China has legitimate interests and claims that must be respected, even if the foundational values of its political system are diametrically opposed. Conversely, China must come to terms with the fact that not all rules in the global playing field are sedulous attempts by the U.S. to expand its own power, and that it also must be bound by them in order to maintain global stability and prosperity.

Rogier Creemers Research Officer, Programme for Comparative Media Law and Policy via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/24jj6Bf

Michael Pillsbury’s China Nightmare

In contrast to Jared McKinney’s recently reviewed “China Dream” by Liu Mingfu, Michael Pilsbury has a China Nightmare. The Dream is for China to become a powerful global leader that assumes its rightful place in the world as a respected and prestigious nation. The Nightmare is that China achieves this and then imposes its values on the world.

Jared McKinney Non-Resident Junior Fellow, Center for National Interest via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1NOaHMK

China Needs a Foreign Policy that Makes Friends

Doug Bandow takes a global portrait of China’s strategic partnerships and “non-alliance” policies, arguing that as the great Eastern power grows so must its capacity to create not just military allies but friends.

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

Positive Approaches to the Development of China-U.S. Relations

President Obama has embraced the rise of a strong and peaceful China as an asset in the new world order, and both politicians and academics need to do more to promote more cooperation and reduce the fear-mongering.

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

Philippines Elections 2016: or How to Navigate Between the U.S. and China

In the past six years, Washington and Manila have been cementing a military alliance, which is reassuring to many Filipinos but leaves some apprehensive – including the leading presidential contenders. Dr. Steinbcok poses that true hedging would seek security benefits from the U.S. defense umbrella; economic returns from trade and investment with China; and political advantages from cooperation with both nations.

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

Where Will the U.S. Rebalance Strategy Go?

While the US struggles to adjust to its changing role in the international order, China should not give up its principles in handling relations, but be more active, practical and effective in expanding cooperation, and continue to facilitate the building of a new type of major-country relationship between the two countries.

Zhao Weibin, Researcher, PLA Academy of Military Science via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1YI5E6n

China Doesnt Accept or Recognize the South China Sea Arbitration

The move by the Philippines to take its territorial disputes to an international tribunal constitutes a serious threat to regional peace and stability. China will neither accept nor participate in the arbitration process. No matter what the final ruling will be, China will not recognize or implement it. China will remain committed to resolving the disputes peacefully through negotiation and consultation, and will not accept any country's attempt to use such a ruling as a basis for consultations with China on the SCS issue, nor will China accept any positions or activities proposed by any country based on such a ruling.

Xiao Jianguo Deputy General Director, Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1qYnwiK

Obama: Im No Lame Duck

A string of achievements in his second term, even after a disastrous 2014 mid-term election, means the incumbent can be ranked among the nation’s high-achieving presidents, despite the fact that his efforts did little to change America’s outdated perspective on its place in world affairs.

Yin Chengde Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/26ehuuC

Promising China-U.S. Nuclear Partnership Makes Progress

With the end of the nuclear security summits and major Russia-U.S. security tensions, China-U.S. nuclear security cooperation is needed more than ever. Fortunately, both governments are pursuing projects to counter nuclear smuggling, reduce the use of dangerous nuclear fuels, and augment other international institutions that counter nuclear terrorism.

Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S9EMeX

Balancing the U.S. Rebalance

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III compares China’s One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative with the U.S.’s Rebalance to Asia, ultimately advising that for the U.S. to be seen as not reacting to China’s growing regional influence, it would need a better appreciation of the security needs, growing aspirations, and economic demands of rising powers.

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

Situating the Philippines Between U.S. and China in South China Sea

As China’s permanent neighbor and the U.S.’ long-time ally, the Philippines has a unique role mediating between the U.S. and China in the South China Sea. However, if the Philippines fail’s to improve its current political relations with China, while continuously enhancing its defense alliance with the U.S., the Philippines can become a catalyst for the proverbial “Thucydides trap.”

Rommel C. Banlaoi Director, Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1SlO9ad

A Tale of Two Canals

The history of U.S. engagement in global commerce is intricately intertwined with the Panama Canal. China, through a private investment partnership, has made plans to construct a similar canal through Nicaragua. Though the countries own politics will determine its viability, environmental and funding issues may derail it sooner.

Eric Farnsworth, VP, Council of Americas and Americas Society via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Sos4ek

AmCham China Releases 2016 American Business in China White Paper

This 18th edition of the American Business in China White Paper reflects AmCham China member companies’ general commitment to the China market but also illustrates how they are continuing to weather and adapt to a challenging and constantly evolving business environment as China continues on a path of economic reforms […]

AmCham China via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/23JW1HS

Arbitration Could Upset Delicate Security Balance in South China Sea

Abandoning its past agreements with China and dismissing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to settle maritime disputes through negotiations and consultation, the Philippines has chosen to take the issue to court. The author argues that the arbitral tribunal acted like the Philippines’ agent and the high-stake case could upset the delicate security balance in the region.

Lu Yang International Relations Scholar based in Beijing via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1NrWDbC

When is a Gag Order Not a Gag Order?

The incident between Admiral Harris and the Obama Administration, if there was one, centered on policy. Effectively engaging China at the Nuclear Security Summit was seen as much productive than confronting China with U.S. military might. Offering counsel and then potentially having to implement policy that goes against that counsel is difficult, but a fundamental premise of civil-military relations.

Joan Johnson-Freese, Professor, US Naval War College via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1QbsLQA

Stabilizing Relations through High-level Exchanges

Summits and other meetings can’t resolve all differences, but they help to contain disputes: Even on the issue of South China Sea, the Chinese and US presidents have been able to exchange their views frankly over China’s reclamation and prevention of militarization in the area. As China is increasingly indispensable to contribute to global governance, such exchanges help Beijing’s voice to be better heard.

Shen Dingli Associate Dean, Fudan University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1qKQtP3

Beijing Has Case for ‘Historic Rights’ at Sea

From time immemorial, traditional Chinese fishermen have continuously, reasonably and with certainty plied their trade in the semi-enclosed waters of the South China Sea. These traditional fishing practices date back a long time, have been invariable and unbroken, and conform to basic principles of justice and utility.

Sourabh Gupta Senior Research Associate, Samuels Int'l Associates via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1V33e45

Committee of 100 Survey Finds Rising Level of Distrust Threatening U.S.-China Ties

A new survey conducted by the Committee of 100 (C-100) – a non-profit organization of prominent Chinese American leaders from politics, business, media and entertainment, and academia – underscores that Americans view cooperation between the two countries as critical and recognize the benefits of increased trade and investment. Americans are, […]

Mandy Peng via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1V33dNE

New Neighbors: Chinese Investment in the United States by Congressional District

The National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, in partnership with Rhodium Group, released on April 12 a report titled "New Neighbors: 2016 Update", rich in data that reveals the patterns and growing local impact of Chinese investment, including job creation and provision.

NCUSCR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1TSTs3h

Unraveling Travel

Philip J. Cunningham examines the precarious nature of mass tourism. Both the cause, rooted in China’s steadily growing middle class and the effect, a surplus of tourists to Thailand. Cunningham measures the limited economic benefit, only grasped by those in a small circle of tourist service positions, against the edifying effect of world travel for the once working class.

Philip Cunningham, visiting research fellow, Cornell University, New York via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/23wHSB3

New Worries about a Slow Growing China

In a potentially ominous new development for businesses in Hong Kong, new worries and ensuing protests have arisen over whether China’s treatment of dissent has now extended beyond its borders. Curtis S. China argues that leaders should recognize that transparent rule of law will be essential for business confidence and economic growth in the long run.

Curtis S. Chin, Former US Ambassador to Asian Development Bank via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/23GSZ78

EU’s Strategy for China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ in Central Asia

EU engagement in Central Asia has been reactive than proactive. U.S. withdrawal in Afghanistan, and the amalgamation of EU expertise and the Chinese financial power may significantly help mitigate the effects of poverty in Central Asia. Yet, at this stage these prospects are detached from the reality and embody rather normative aspirations.

Kemel Toktomushev Research Fellow, University of Central Asia via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Wt15yi

THAAD in ROK: Potential Harm Outweighs Benefits

The high-altitude system would achieve none of its stated goals if deployed, but would shake the fragile trust of Beijing and Moscow toward Washington. The US should learn some lessons from the Cuban missile crisis and NATO’s eastward expansion, understand and respect other countries’ security concerns, and take some concrete measures to ease instead of aggravate the tension in the Korean Peninsula.

Fan Gaoyue retired senior colonel via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/23o3bou

U.S. Freedom of Navigation Operations Carry Potential Risks

The signing of a U.S.-China Memorandum of Understanding about air and maritime encounters provides a safety valve against any contingency in the South China Sea, but unlawful American provocations in the area continue to test relations between Washington and Beijing.

Jia Chunyang Assistant Research Fellow, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S9yhrg

AIIB President Jin Liqun Discusses Regional Cooperation and AIIB Priorities

On April 7, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun spoke at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center during a forum organized by Our Hong Kong Foundation to discuss AIIB's priorities and procedures in accepting new members. He indicated that Hong Kong is among a group of 30 applicants that will be given serious considerations when the AIIB board meets in late April.

CUSEF China-United States Exchange Foundation via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Svhtbi

The China Dream of Liu Mingfu

Liu Mingfu’s 2010 book China Dream initially sparked a bidding war, only to be marginalized for fear that it would affect China-U.S. relations. From disrepute it became canonical after Xi Jinping delivered his 2012 “China Dream” speech. Sifting out rocks of Chinese exceptionalism, Jared McKinney explores the gems of insight found in Liu’s condemned and congratulated work.

Jared McKinney Non-Resident Junior Fellow, Center for National Interest via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Xs78RR

TTIP Has a Greater Global Impact than TPP

Once the US-European free-trade agreement is reached, the agreement will cover half of the global economic output and will include commodities and services worth of nearly $1 trillion, accounting for over one-third of total world trade.

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

Attacks in Brussels Herald A New Era for the Global Anti-Terror War

The destiny of all mankind has never been so closely intertwined as it is today, and Europe and China can use their long traditions of multi-culturalism to help shape a world order that offers inclusiveness, dialogue, cooperation, development and peace for all.

Wu Sike, Member on Foreign Affairs Committee, CPPCC via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1RQ7Nwa

China-U.S. Summit Heralds Stable Relations

The basic tone of China-US relations remains positive and cooperative, as the countries’ collaborative approach on Iran and the DPRK have shown in the past year. While differences are here to stay, particularly in the South China Sea, they can be managed -- thanks to the smooth channels of communication between the two sides and the recent bilateral agreement on mutual notification of major military actions and the rules of behavior for air and maritime encounters.

Tao Wenzhao, Researcher, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/23zau9g

THAAD in ROK: Potential Harm Outweighs Benefits

The high-altitude system would achieve none of its stated goals if deployed, but would shake the fragile trust of Beijing and Moscow toward Washington. The US should learn some lessons from the Cuban missile crisis and NATO’s eastward expansion, understand and respect other countries’ security concerns, and take some concrete measures to ease instead of aggravate the tension in the Korean Peninsula.

Fan Gaoyue retired senior colonel via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/23o3bou

Implications of Obama’s Trip to Cuba

As the White House said, the U.S. president’s Cuba policy “now allows us to more effectively improve the lives of the Cuban people, advance our interests and values, and build broader ties of cooperation across the Americas”. It’s a U.S. policy reversal that also serves to cement American influence across the region.

Chen Jimin Associate Research Fellow, CPC Party School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S0iOHK

Who Enters My Domain?

Various news outlets alleged that new Internet regulations might cut China off from the global Internet, and that foreign websites might have to re-register within China in order to maintain access to its market. Few of these comments, however, evince an understanding of how the domain name system (DNS) works, and how these regulations might impact online traffic.

Rogier Creemers Research Officer, Programme for Comparative Media Law and Policy via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S0iNUe

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 Must Confront the North Korean Conundrum

There is little doubt that the so-called Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has lost Chinese public opinion. Doug Bandow argues that it would help if the U.S. and its allies, most obviously the Republic of Korea and Japan, made it easier for Beijing to effectively join America’s anti-Pyongyang coalition.

Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Ncz1Yz

Forthcoming U.S. Space Deterrence Strategy

The Obama administration has attached great importance to space cooperation, as stressed in recent official documents on space security, even as it seeks capacity to deter potential adversaries from attacking American space assets. The best way ahead is to formulate an international code of behavior for the interests of all space-faring countries and for the peaceful and sustainable development of outer space.

Zhao Weibin, Researcher, PLA Academy of Military Science via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/23gMoDz

Nuclear Security: The End of the Beginning

Many countries have strengthened the physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities, and stronger regulations have been put into place. Now that the Nuclear Security Summits are said to have served their purpose, it is time to translate political stances into additional concrete measures and investment in nuclear security.

Fan Jishe, Senior Fellow, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Ncsay3

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 Southeast Asian Infrastructure Drive

Actions in the South China Sea may sow mistrust with China’s neighbors, at the expense of China’s export-led infrastructure development growth. South China Sea Joint Development Areas, however, can enable China and Southeast Asia to reach a constructive, precedent-setting middle ground sidelining politics and focusing on mutually beneficial economics, like building a global electric grid.

Stewart Taggart Founder & Principal, Grenatec via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1S0xGYR

Seeing South China Sea Issue as Part of a Regional Security Evolution

Mutual accommodation and respect for each other’s core interests will guarantee security for all. The construction of a new regional security framework has to be based on the principle of “common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security for all concerned”, as proposed by President Xi Jinping.

He Yafei former Vice Minister, State Council Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1SxBI8C

Establish G20 Secretariat and Construct “5+1” Macroeconomic Policy Coordination Mechanism

Interlocking the G20 and the IMF, better coordinating the five major economies, and reducing dependence on the US dollar are all opportunities for the Hangzhou summit during China’s G20 presidency.

Xu Hongcai Director-General, China Center for Int'l Economic Exchanges via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Mg0Cx1

Europe May Face a New Wave of Terrorist Attacks

Overthrowing the autocratic regime of Saddam Hussein inflamed the Sunni-Shiite rivalry in the Middle East, and provided a breeding ground for the Islamic State. The new wave of terror attacks in Europe is also the bitter result of its irresponsible policies during the Arab Spring, and the consequences are fueling ongoing resentment toward Western governments.

Wang Zhen Director of Security Studies Program, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1N9Oh8v

The Nuclear Summit is Merely a Small Win for Obama, In the Face of Huge Challenges in Foreign Policy

Through interventionist misadventures in Iraq, Syria, and Libya, the U.S. has been a major contributing factor in the unrest and has proven incapable of maintaining peace and order by its own effort. China has a non-confrontational approach to international relations and can be an effective partner in complementing the U.S. in anti-terrorism efforts.

George Koo Board Member, New America Media via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Yejld7

China’s Defense Reforms and their U.S. Implications

China’s recent military reforms aim to make the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) a more efficient and effective combat force. They will probably succeed in making at least some progress in these areas. What they do not do is suggest a fundamentally more aggressive or militant Chinese foreign policy—Beijing’s national security strategy remains constant even as the PLA is in flux.

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

Reiterating 1992 Concensus, Xi Sends Important Signal

As long as both Beijing and Taipei accept the historical truth of the “1992 consensus”, and identify with its core implications, the Chinese president pointed out, they will share a common political foundation for maintaining benign interaction.

Zhu Songling, Professor, Beijing Union University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1SOAf0c

U.S. Chooses South China Sea as Main Arena to Contain China

Washington has forced its way into the issue to complicate it further and escalate of regional tension. Such an egocentric move is against the trend of the times and the fundamental interests of the countries in the region and is bound to end in failure.

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

Framing China-U.S. Relations in the 21st Century

Despite US jitters about China’s rise, Beijing and Washington should build a partnership along the lines of what President Xi Jinping calls a “new type of major-country relationship” – no clash, no confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win through cooperation.

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