Orlando Shooting and Its Implications for US Counter-Terrorism Strategy

The grim situation of terrorism facing the United States can attributed to many factors, such as the diffusion of international terrorists, the diverse propaganda ways of extremist ideology, and Washington’s own counter-terrorism strategies. The US needs a clear understanding on this point before it can achieve long-term solutions.

Chen Jimin Associate Research Fellow, CPC Party School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/296Dcto

The U.S. Should Welcome Infrastructure Investments from China

It is no secret that America’s infrastructure has been crumbling for years. Even the $305 billion highway bill that was signed in last December by Congress is only a drop in the water. However, the solutions to improving our infrastructure present an unforeseen opportunity to bring together the two largest economies in the world.

Thomas Petri former representative for Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29bOeAr

What Does Brexit Mean for UK and EU?

Longstanding frictions between London and Brussels came to a head with security and immigration issues. In the final analysis, the EU needs to bring itself closer to the masses, and respond positively to such public concerns as employment and security. That is the only way for the EU to retain support from member countries and sustain its vitality.

Feng Zhongping Vice president, China Institutes for Contemporary Int'l Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29bIWF5

Climate Change Outcomes of the 2016 Strategic and Economic Dialogue

Many of the new climate change-related developments within the Strategic and Economic Dialogue emerged from a summit that brought U.S. and Chinese policymakers and private sector leaders together to establish cooperative relationships. Benjamin Reynolds describes some of the interesting and practical agreements on energy and climate change between private and public sectors, but also reminds us that previous climate accords have always struggled to enforce climate targets that are often conveniently forgotten after big summits.

Ben Reynolds Writer and Foreign Policy Analyst in New York via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/297n1OG

Sanctioning ZTE and Huawei: Chinese Telecom Giants’ Conflicts with the U.S.

The U.S. Commerce Department has accused two of China’s largest telecom providers for violating sanctions by selling American technology to Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Sudan. If Huawei and ZTE want to find a more receptive environment in U.S. markets, they may have to choose between following Chinese government desires to aid friendly nations, or complying with U.S. objections to its actions in controversial markets.

Eric Harwit Professor, University of Hawaii Asian Studies Program via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/296xbwM

Is China’s Internet Czar, Lu Wei, Going, Going … Gone?

Lu Wei, China’s Internet Czar is stepping down, causing speculation to arise that he may have been demoted or dismissed. Rogier Creemers considers a more likely scenario: Lu Wei may be promoted to lead the Central Propaganda Department, as its relevance to media has waned compared to the multitude of voices online through social media. In a very short time, Lu reversed the leadership's perception of the Internet from something to be feared to something that could be mastered.

Rogier Creemers Research Officer, Programme for Comparative Media Law and Policy, University of Oxford via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/297zv6o

Is Cyber Arms Control Possible?

The first nuclear arms control agreements in the 1960s did not solve all the problems of controlling nuclear weapons. But after two decades of slow learning, those agreements started a process. Joseph S. Nye proposes that President Obama and President Xi’s 2015 agreement on cyber espionage may do something similar for cyber security.

Joseph Nye Professor, Harvard University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/295hZ1C

Is the Concept of an ‘Underdog’ Universal?

The entire democratic system in the U.S. has been set up with the goal of defending minority rights. But in China, most people don’t see minority and majority interests as inherently in conflict, nor a need for minorities to separate themselves from the larger group.

Roma Eisenstark Freelance Writer via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29bXUcX

Keep a Cool Head about American Strategic Anxiety

If China and the US engage in earnest to build the new type of big-power relationship proposed by President Xi Jinping, based on the principles of “no confrontation, no conflict, mutual respect and win-win through cooperation”, It will be a great help in reducing fears in America about China’s rise.

He Yafei former Vice Minister, State Council Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/293IrI8

The Shift Of Two Big Circulations In Global Finance And Trade

“Dollar liquidity shortage” is inevitable in the future, and improving liquidity management including cross-border capital flow and monetary reserves is the key to systematic risk control and crisis management. A global macro-prudential supervision frame should be established to supervise the cross-border capital liquidity as the core target and measure for capital management.

Zhang Monan, Researcher, China Int'l Economic Exchanges Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/295srIz

Sport as China’s Soft Power in Central Asia

Sport may emerge as one of those solutions that foster inter-cultural understanding between China and Central Asian states without being vigorously criticized for hidden political agendas. Sport has the potential to transcend socially constructed borders and divisions because it embodies a universal medium of communication.

Kemel Toktomushev Research Fellow, University of Central Asia via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29qWrNT

FONOP: A Sheer Paradox

As a self-labeled world leader, the US should abandon its provocative and destabilizing air and sea exercises in the South China Sea – and sign and abide by UNCLOS wholly and thoroughly instead of citing a few isolated words and phrases to serve its purpose.

Fan Gaoyue retired senior colonel via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29563Ae

Potential Dangers Posed by the US Military’s Close-in Reconnaissance

American air and sea reconnaissance operations challenge or encroach upon China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. China and the US have different understandings or interpretations of both an EEZ and territorial waters, and to avoid accidents and enhance the military relationship, the two sides should start serious talks to seek a mutually acceptable solution. As a first step, the US military should limit its reconnaissance operations to the international airspace and high seas that both sides recognize.

Wu Zurong, Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/292He4T

Does a Fragmented Europe Benefit China?

The relationship between China and the United Kingdom was close, especially in economic terms, though as Jonathan Holslag argues, China may need to find a new preferred partner. Europe is at a juncture: it remains to be seen whether frustration about alleged unfair competition from China will lead to a much more protectionist trade policy, whether the European Commission grants China Market Economy Status, and whether a fragmented European position on trade could strengthen China’s own geopolitical position.

Jonathan Holslag Professor of International Politics, Free University Brussels via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/291jspy

The Strategic and Economic Dialogue: Outcomes and Opportunities

The bilateral U.S. – China Strategic and Economic Dialogue has served as a critically important mechanism by which both governments have developed the means to discuss core issues in the economic relationship. As China’s dash for economic growth continues, pressure will be on both the United States and China to ensure these discussions deliver concrete results.

Eric Farnsworth, VP, Council of Americas and Americas Society via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28ZSu2O

Toward a New National Security Space Strategy: Benefiting from Entanglement with China

It is important that the security communities in both the U.S. and China recognize that space is a global commons, and that political entanglement paradoxically benefits both countries. However, the U.S. and China both appear to be ramping up their military responses to each other’s perceived threatening activities. Space cooperation and entanglements will not result in a country fundamentally changing its domestic ideologies or geostrategic goals.

Theresa Hitchens senior research scholar, University of Maryland via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28Zg2aC

Brexit: the First Wave of Deglobalization

China’s stock market and RMB exchange rate both took a hit, but these were obvious reactions to Britain’s surprise vote to leave the EU. This brand of populism will get a boost from the success of the Brexit “Leave” campaign, but the long-term global effects will take years to become clear.

He Yafei former Vice Minister, State Council Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29fpALQ

East Asia Summit May Promote Friendly Sino-U.S. Interaction

Twenty-five years after the Cold War’s ending, China and the US can take the opportunity created by the EAS to reconcile their differences and seek cooperation. They can join ASEAN countries to promote positive interaction among all regional players in a wider range, on a deeper level and in a more sustainable manner to push the Asia-Pacific towards great harmony.

Zhai Kun Professor, Peking University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28Y3rlQ

Brexit Ushers in An Era of Uncertainty

In one of the most momentous decisions in the country’s postwar history, British chose to end the marriage of 43 years and chart their own course outside the European Union.

Zhang Bei Assistant Research Fellow, China Institute of International Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28Twuqd

US-Russia Tussles Provoke Thought

The US deployment of anti-missile systems in Eastern Europe could lead to a new arms race. Russia sees the moves as a harbinger of the eastward expansion of NATO and perhaps a springboard for the United States to expand and increase its presence into the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asian regions. This will not be constructive to easing tensions and creating stability in Europe.

Yu Sui, Professor, China Center for Contemporary World Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28Vgtlf

World Calls for New Anti-Terror Concept

Chinese experts believe that countries can only handle the challenges from terrorism through promoting bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation from the perspective of common security.

Wu Sike, Member on Foreign Affairs Committee, CPPCC via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28VgNjO

Can China Lead and transform G20?

China is eager to keep its economy going strong under “the new normal” to develop an innovative, coordinated, green, open and sharing economy, and Beijing is willing to take the lead in better coordination of macro-economic policies among major economies. The world economy clearly needs structural adjustment, which has to be a collective endeavor for economies both developed and developing, which are intertwined and interdependent in the age of globalization.

He Yafei former Vice Minister, State Council Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1TTH4Qj

How to Win China’s Aid on North Korea: Stop Forcing Beijing to Choose Between the U.S. and the North

By ignoring the Chinese, Kim Jong-un has been gambling with his regime’s future. The PRC appears more ready than ever before to abandon its troublesome friend. However, inertia—and a cold-hearted assessment of interests—is likely to hold Beijing back from cooperating with the U.S. if forced to choose America over Pyongyang.

Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28OUXQk

Take Carter’s Outstretched Hand

Escalating tensions regarding the Asian-Pacific territorial disputes and other security issues make clear that we need a new approach to dealing with these regional questions. Recent weeks have seen renewed Chinese-U.S. military incidents, stalemated China-U.S. security talks, and a failed China-ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting.

Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28PYgbd

Amidst Orlando Tragedy, China’s LGBT Groups Make Their Voice Heard

In the wake of the deadly shooting in an Orlando gay club, nearly 200 Chinese LGBT groups issued an unforeseen joint statement as a tribute to the victims, a expression of grief, and to send a strong message to the general public in China on LGBT violence. Despite enormous progress in the past two decades, LGBT groups still face discrimination, and are fighting to push legislation to give individuals more protection under the law.

Mathilda Lan Chinese reporter with a major international media organization via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28Q3P7m

US High-Speed Rail and the Challenge of Containment

Surprise announcement of US partner’s withdrawal from joint venture leaves the world wondering about American priorities, as political winds seem to blow needed infrastructure development off track.

Wu Sike, Member on Foreign Affairs Committee, CPPCC via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28OqFOw

South China Sea Arbitration a Cover for U.S. Meddling

The Philippines is being used by the US merely as a pawn to serve the strategic interests of the US. It is precisely because we have seen through this that we choose to resist the South China Sea arbitration -- a political farce under the cloak of law -- and reject any award that comes out of the arbitration.

Wang Hanling Director of National Center for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28UVAWC

People-to-People Exchanges: A Main Dish, Not A “Spice”

Compared with trade and the military, people–to-people exchanges are less costly but cover wider and broader areas and scales with more players participating in it. The result is not only an exchange of culture but a boost for production, management and distribution of public goods such as shared values, common languages and collective identities.

Liu Yongtao, Assistant Professor, Fudan University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28USVfy

The S&ED — an Invaluable Diplomatic Asset

Over three administrations by both the Democratic and Republican parties, the S&ED has helped China and the US to pursue a new model of major-country relationship, and its effectiveness should be cherished by both sides. After the presidential elections this year, it will be critically important to guarantee a smooth development of China-US relations.

Wu Zhenglong, Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28KFNtu

Coping with Implicit Barriers in New Global Trade Rules

In the long-term, a series of regional free trade agreements and the new global rules conform to China’s own economic restructuring and reform direction. China must enhance its level of liberalization in such areas as goods trade, service trade and investment, break through market barriers and get rid of institutional barriers. Making use of an open competition will promote the country’s upgrading in the global value chain.

Zhang Monan, Researcher, China Int'l Economic Exchanges Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28IjJAg

How Beijing Is Countering U.S. Strategic Primacy

Washington’s efforts to strengthen bilateral security alliances with East Asia and Pacific nations give credence to China’s suspicions of a containment policy directed against China’s growing economic and military capabilities. However, China may be looking to Latin America to offset U.S. attempts for primacy in Asia.

Ted Galen Carpenter Senior Fellow, Cato Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28IhOct

Too Close for Comfort: The Dangerous U.S.-China Maritime Disputes

Both the U.S. and China must bear responsibility for the ratcheting up of tension in the SCS and East China Sea. Washington clings to “freedom of navigation” as its principal reason for challenging Chinese claims even though unencumbered passage has not denied U.S. or any other country’s ships. Beijing should be consistent in recognizing that a legitimate dispute exists, just as it demands that Japan acknowledge a sovereignty dispute over the Diaoyutai/Senkaku islands.

Mel Gurtov, Editor-in-Chief, Asian Perspective via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/28IhOda

Cooler Heads Must Prevail in South China Sea Disputes

On Tuesday, senior ASEAN diplomats gathered in Yunnan for a special foreign ministers' meeting with their Chinese counterparts. The idea came from ASEAN countries, the turnout was impressive, and the retreat was deemed "timely and important". Amidst media speculation that the discussion pitted ASEAN against China, it will be useful to take a step back and examine the larger picture.

Yi Fan Analyst, Foreign Ministry of China via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1ZW3NeY

The Tribunal’s Award in the “South China Sea Arbitration” Initiated by the Philippines Is Null and Void

On 10 June 2016, the Chinese Society of International Law (CSIL) released a paper entitled The Tribunal’s Award in the “South China Sea Arbitration” Initiated by the Philippines Is Null and Void.

Chinese Society of International Law via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Ud2dBN

How Convincing is the Decision that the Arbitral Tribunal Has Jurisdiction to Hear the Claims Brought by the Philippines Against China?

The Philippines has brought arbitration proceedings against China under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) relating to the South China Sea, and the Tribunal has recently given its decision on whether it has jurisdiction over the claims made by the Philippines.

Chris Whomersley Former Deputy Legal Adviser, the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Q7bbEd

How the G20 2016 Can Drive Global Economic Governance Reforms

Printing money and other misguided policies by developed economies in the wake of the 2008 crises were not successful in the long term. China’s policy of supply-side reform is applicable to other countries as well. Different countries may pursue different policies, but the overall theme should be to provide support to innovation, liberalize controls, encourage competition, and expand market access. Adopting this approach at the Hangzhou summit could contribute to rejuvenating the world economy and spur growth.

Zhou Shijian, Senior Fellow, Tsinghua Center for US-China Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/264uTnS

China-US Relations in Cyberspace: A Half-Year Assessment

: Franz-Stefan Gady argues that the end goal of Sino-U.S. deliberations will not be an end to state-sponsored hacking or cyber espionage, but to put a framework in place that will not only help prevent disagreements in cyberspace from spilling over into other parts of the bilateral relationship, but also help both sides to get closer to an understanding of what constitutes strategic stability, i.e., peace, in cyberspace.

Franz-Stefan Gady Senior Fellow, EastWest Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/23cOaC6

U.S. Sets Itself Apart from International Maritime Order

China has been consulting and cooperating with ASEAN nations on the South China Sea issue following the “dual track” approach under corresponding regional and bilateral legal frameworks. The US, by maintaining a lonely existence beyond the international maritime legal order, will eventually isolate itself by attempting to isolate China.

Wang Hanling Director of National Center for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1UOSnIv

China-U.S. Relations: Creating an Effective Relationship at the Subnational Level

Rather than doubting the sincerity of corporate executives who create new technologies that propel the China-U.S. relationship forward, Carson Tavenner and Tom Watkins propose listening to non-profit leaders, educators, and other China-America bridge-builders who search for cooperative solutions while building trust and honesty between people.

Carson Tavenner and Tom Watkins via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1UOQNqa

Managing Strategic Competition Between China and the U.S.

China is unswervingly committed to its path of peaceful development, and believes China and the US can cultivate a state-to-state relationship featuring long-term peaceful co-existence against a new historical background. Seeking common ground while shelving differences is an effective, important principle that has served both countries well and would continue to do so in the future.

Cui Liru, Former President, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/25v3Py6

The Brexit Triangle: U.K., U.S. and China

As the U.K. is preparing for the EU referendum, both Washington and Beijing would like London to remain in the EU. Yet, the outcome is not under their control, despite the potential for regional, even global collateral damage.

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

Reading the Tea Leaves at China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue

The presidents of the two nation took stock of the bilateral relationship and concluded that common interests are much more important than differences, thus securing a sound and steady growth of the China-US relationship. For some reason, that reality is not easy for many pundits, politicians and media observers to grasp, resulting in diminished expectations despite evidence to the contrary.

Wu Jianmin Former President, China Foreign Affairs University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1XmE0i8

Strategic Dialogue Advances Partnership, with a Limit

S&ED is a means to help stabilize and improve partnership. However, when each’s strategic interests differ or even collide, a dialogue will not be able to resolve the problem. The best the dialogue could do is to assure that each side will take sensible decisions, ideally through mutual concession. This is what the S&ED of the Obama era has been about.

Shen Dingli Associate Dean, Fudan University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/21jt5UW

Will UN Tribunal Ruling Disrupt AIIB Inaugural Annual Meeting?

China’s six-month old investment bank, the AIIB, has been at pains to portray itself as a new multilateral economic institution governed by written rules and not merely a foreign economic policy puppet of China. However, problems may arise as the South China Sea tribunal ruling nears the official AIIB coming-out party.

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

Time for US to Change its Taiwan Policy

China will not allow Taiwan, which has historically been part of China, to break away. This is a permanent red line for China. Some far-sighted people in the US have called for adjusting the US’ Taiwan policy, abolish the Taiwan Relations Act and the “six assurances” to herald a fully normal and healthy bilateral relationship with China, and this should happen sooner rather than later.

Yin Chengde Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1t7SlCr

Trump’s Foreign Policy Preference and Its Implications

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee insists that promoting democracy where it’s neither familiar nor welcome has been a foolish US policy. But abandoning the norms and institutions established after World War II will diminish not only US global leadership but also the entire international system – not good news in an era of weakening global economic development and uncertain international and regional security.

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

China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue: Time to Move Beyond the South China Sea?

South China Sea tensions appear to reveal the innate character and intentions of both countries. However, small inkblots, just like small islands, can only explain so much when assessing the overall China-U.S. bilateral relationship. These inkblots imperil a more comprehensive scrutiny of the larger geo-political canvas of the ongoing 8th China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

Franz-Stefan Gady Senior Fellow, EastWest Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/1Yco8hG

New Consideration of China’s No-First-Use of Nuclear Weapons Is Needed

No nuclear-weapon states have given up efforts in modernizing their arsenals, although for different reasons. A commitment of no-first-use is defensive in nature, but it doesn’t exclude nuclear retaliation. Such a pledge doesn’t cripple other countries’ nuclear capabilities: It boosts confidence that a world free of nuclear weapons is eventually possible.

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

America’s Profound Strategic Misperception of China

China has no ambition to dominate Asia or the world, and Washington must resist misconstruing China’s development strategies and policies. It is imperative that the two countries dispel misgivings and strengthen communication, deepen understanding and mutual trust, in order to build a new type of major-country relations featuring non-confrontation, non-conflict and win-win cooperation.

Yin Chengde Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/22uSDj2

Opening Remarks by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the Eighth Round of China-U.S. Strategic & Economic Dialogue

We have an inescapable responsibility – a shared duty – to lead in the direction of stability, prosperity, and peace. And it is up to us and to our successors to ensure that America and China are more partners than rivals, more in agreement than disagreement about the rule of law, more in harmony than at odds over priorities, and more confident with each passing year in each other’s intentions.

CUSEF China-United States Exchange Foundation via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/22Lkls0