Africa’s Massive Power Shortage Alleviated by China

Without Chinese help, sub-Saharan Africa’s power drought, its daily blackouts, and its ability to attract foreign investment would suffer. Fortunately, China is providing an essential part of the answer in terms of actual construction of new facilities and the finance that will present Africa new supplies to power and upgrade infrastructure.

Robert I. Rotberg Founding Director of Program on Intrastate Conflict, Harvard Kennedy School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aKbzav

Trade Protectionism Will Harm China-U.S. Relations

The US wants China to deepen its market-oriented reform and maintain social stability, and on the other, it demands that China reduce its excess capacity immediately. These two tasks are obviously contradictory, and now that China has become the largest trading partner of the US, a cooperative approach by both sides is both logical and necessary.

Zhao Minghao Research Fellow, Charhar Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2al0Mo7

Do Brazil’s Olympic Preparations Bode that Their Current Form Is Unsustainable for Beijing?

In the run-up to Rio, the next three Olympic hosts, all Asian nations, must understand the broader implications and global expectations that come with hosting this event. The Olympics may have grown too weighed down by excessive external baggage to be sustainable in their current form, something that will have to be taken into account moving forward.

Eric Farnsworth, VP, Council of Americas and Americas Society via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a3Hox4

The Implications of the Award’s Reasoning on Offshore Archipelagos

An EEZ claimed from the Spratly Islands as a unit could re-invigorate tensions between the two super-powers on the legality of military activities in the EEZ. China should carefully consider the long-term ramifications of a straight baseline declaration, not only in terms of its legality but also in terms of the impact it could have on an already volatile situation.

Tara Davenport Non-resident Fellow Fulbright Scholar, Yale Law School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aB1izZ

China and Russia: Alliance or No Alliance?

Neither Beijing nor Moscow have the intention to form a military alliance, which would conflict with a key component of the concept of “a harmonious world” central to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. China and Russia face different circumstances, and choosing a strategic partnership of coordination instead of alliance leaves necessary room for both to deal with their individual national interests.

Zheng Yu, Professor, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aA79pI

The Globalization Disconnect

The lesson of Donald Trump and Brexit is that while elegant in theory, globalization suffers in practice. Those who worship at the altar of free trade – including me – must come to grips with this glaring disconnect.

Stephen Roach, Faculty Member, Yale University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aC0VSQ

New Big-Country Cooperation Needed for Cyberspace Anti-terror War

Cyberspace is an open society without national boundaries, in which no one should have special privileges. Equal participation and joint efforts by all governments, particularly China and the US, with support from companies and citizens, is critical if the cyberspace war against terrorism is to be won.

Wu Sike, Member on Foreign Affairs Committee, CPPCC via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a1wbNx

Would the U.S. Really Risk Los Angeles for Taipei?

Taiwan long has been one of the globe’s most dangerous tripwires. Would the U.S. really risk Los Angeles for Taipei, as one Chinese general famously asked? Washington officials hope never to have to answer that question, but the recent Taiwanese missile misfire offers a dramatic reminder of the danger of guaranteeing other nations’ security.

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

Analogies, American Thought, and China’s Rise

A new Penguin Special book attempts to recast China’s rise using eight “imperfect analogies.” Jared McKinney reviews the effort and reflects on the use of analogies in American political discourse, arguing that China’s rise broadly conceived still shares the most similarities with that of another contemporary great power: America.

Jared McKinney Non-Resident Junior Fellow, Center for National Interest via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2adByaT

Why China is Right to Say No to the South China Sea Ruling

No country is willing to accept an international judicial judgment or arbitration award against its unwillingness, especially when such judgment is related to a major political issue that concerns the state. Thus, China is correct in its decision of non-acceptance in allowing a third party mechanism to determine a territorial dispute and maritime delimitation.

Wu Shicun President, China Institute of South China Sea Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2asPkay

Trade Facts: China’s Exchange Rate & U.S. Trade Deficit

We often hear that China “manipulates its currency” and harms the U.S. economy. Some say if we punish China as a manipulator or slap tariffs on Chinese goods it would reduce our trade deficit. But what does currency manipulation mean? More importantly, would tariffs on Chinese goods help our economy?

US-China Business Council via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a9PaAv

Explaining America’s Gun Culture to China

How might a Chinese intelligence analyst explain the United States’ obsession with firearms? Franz-Stefan Gady begins by analyzing its historical origin tied to a national myth. High-profile mass-shootings, paired with a growing discontent with the ruling elite, and the continuous exploitation of American history by powerful civil liberty interest groups, will induce a knee-jerk reaction among Americans that it will be the gun rather than the law that will ultimately protect them from harm.

Franz-Stefan Gady Senior Fellow, EastWest Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2adhuFy

Why the Race to the White House Is Hard to Predict

The rise in populism and nationalism could well undermine Clinton's dream to be America’s first woman president, but in this surprising year those forces provide no guarantees for Trump, either.

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

Liberalism and Exceptionalism in American Foreign Policy: Obstacles and Opportunities for Improving US-China Relations

There is an apparent risk that the US and China will each believe that they promote a win-win international order while suspecting the other of “power politics.” However, the real issue is not a simple choice between mutually beneficial interactions and realpolitik. What is really at stake is the question of which rules will govern a post-realpolitik order, and what kinds of power structures are necessary to support it. Here the US and China have much work to do in order to find converging paths.

Alek Chance Research Fellow, Institute for China-America Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a9RoQr

While Washington Looks Elsewhere, Taiwan Tensions Grow

U.S. leaders have become complacent about Taiwan. Americans need to ask themselves what level of risk they are willing to take to defend Taiwan. The U.S. is obligated to assist the island under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, and as China grows stronger militarily, Taiwan deserves more attention than it is receiving in the U.S.

Ted Galen Carpenter Senior Fellow, Cato Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2adpIxH

Trade Facts: China’s Exchange Rate & U.S. Trade Deficit

We often hear that China “manipulates its currency” and harms the U.S. economy. Some say if we punish China as a manipulator or slap tariffs on Chinese goods it would reduce our trade deficit. But what does currency manipulation mean? More importantly, would tariffs on Chinese goods help our economy?

US-China Business Council via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a9PaAv

Beijing, Moscow and THAAD: Managing the Fall-Out

The U.S. Defense Department recently announced that the U.S. Forces Korea Command will station a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in the Republic of Korea (ROK) as a defensive measure against North Korea. But Russian and Chinese representatives have expressed concern about how THAAD could affect strategic stability, alliance relations, and global influence.

Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a9PdMN

What Is in Store for Taiwan After the Arbitration?

Tsai Ing-wen should give up unrealistic expectations on the US-Japan “values alliance”, and reconsider Taiwan’s role in the South China Sea issue. It’s not too late for her to look at the history of the Chinese nation and link up that history with Taiwan’s future and corresponding rights to Taiping Island.

Ji Yixin, Research Fellow, SIIS via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a3VkUU

It’s Time to Stop Political Farce in the South China Sea

ASEAN and countries that make claims against China similar to the Philippines must pay more attention to the stability of the South China Sea, work closely with China, and avoid being fraudulently manipulated by third parties with their own political agendas.

Su Xiaohui, Deputy Director of Int'l & Strategic Studies, CIIS via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a3QPtl

Get Inspiration from Xi’s Advocacy of Win-Win Cooperation

China’s advocacy of win-win cooperation marks the extension of its development philosophy to the rest of the world. Returning good for good and making concerted efforts to overcome difficulties are the spiritual mainstays of win-win cooperation and the soul of the new type of international relationship.

Yu Sui, Professor, China Center for Contemporary World Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a5eX2Q

Can China and the US Agree on Freedom of Navigation?

As China’s commercial and security interests expand, the Chinese Navy, like its US counterpart, may also wish to conduct more passages through international sea lanes, even if they are in the territorial sea of other countries. Anti-piracy cooperation off the coast of Somalia is an example that could prove to show a path to compromise without harming either country’s security goals.

Zhou Bo, Honorary Fellow, PLA Academy of Military Science via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2afqRXS

THAAD in South Korea Undermines Regional Strategic Balance

The missile-defense deployment will worsen the bifurcation in East Asia, where regional arrangements for economic growth are shaped with China at its core while regional security architecture is set up with the US-centered military alliances as its foundation. Should this contradictory situation evolve, neither regional economic growth nor security could be sustained.

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

Brexit Has Little Impact on China-Europe Cooperation

China wishes both the EU and the UK prosperity and success in the future. With Brexit having little relevance in China-EU relations, it should not become a distraction in developing and improving ties.

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

China’s Maritime Silk Road: Now The Smart Way Forward?

After the tribunal’s categorical ruling on the South China Sea, China’s new strategy could be to lower the temperature by reframing the issue away from rocks, sand and physical territory. It could then seek to reframe the issue around the potential multilateral benefits of China’s Maritime Silk Road concept.

Stewart Taggart Founder & Principal, Grenatec via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aa3mMI

Economy or Security: What “Mandate” Did Abe Get From July Elections?

Using his recent election win to focus on restoring Japan’s military would be abusing the mandate sanctioned through the democratic process. The election was won on economic issues and fears, and that should be the prime minister’s top priority.

Xu Duo Fox Fellow Yale University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29PG2S6

Avoid Unrest or War in Asia-Pacific

China’s diplomatic ideal is to establish an international relationship where countries treat each other on equal footing and work together for common security, mutual benefit and joint development. China does not challenge anybody else but does not fear any challenge either, and will not allow its core interests to be jeopardized. Pursuing peace, cooperation and joint development is the only right way to follow.

Wu Sike, Member on Foreign Affairs Committee, CPPCC via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aake7r

Reverberations of the South China Sea Decision

Last week, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) issued a sweeping repudiation of China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea. The ruling’s significance will soon be tested at the July ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting. The positive potential of the decision lies in its capacity to align the incentives of the various claimants and facilitate more genuine multilateral talks on a thoroughly multilateral feud.

John D. Ciorciari Associate Professor, University of Michigan via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a7ZsoK

Brexit Has Little Impact on China-Europe Cooperation

China wishes both the EU and the UK prosperity and success in the future. With Brexit having little relevance in China-EU relations, it should not become a distraction in developing and improving ties.

Mandy Peng via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29SWrGQ

Phantom of Hegemony Behind Arbitration

China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea and adjacent waters is a reasonable, legitimate historical fact that can’t be denied by any party, any means. It is utterly groundless to accuse China of violating international law, and the US-inspired tribunal merely increases tension to no purpose.

Yin Chengde Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29TLuTs

Possibility of Quiet Diplomacy Opens with The Hague Ruling

Though The Hague ruling pertains to the Philippines-China dispute, it will bolster similar claims by other states against China’s nine-dash line; it will increase pressure on China to seek a negotiated resolution to the overlapping claims; and it will circumscribe China’s SCS claims. In response, China must assure the ASEAN states of its benign intentions, dispelling impressions of hegemonic intentions.

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

Brute Power Versus International Law

Dispute settlement by peaceful means is essential to building harmonious interstate relations. However, Beijing’s dismissal of the tribunal’s ruling is in keeping with its broader opposition to settling disputes with its neighbors — from Japan and South Korea to India and tiny Bhutan — by means of international mediation, arbitration or adjudication.

Brahma Chellaney, Professor, Center for Policy Research via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2acQojF

Here’s What China’s People Really Think About the South China Sea

Nationalist sentiments represent both an opportunity and a challenge for the Chinese government, which wants to harness public opinion but fears its power to destabilize the regime. Whatever actions the United States and its allies take in the wake of the ruling, a minimum of publicity and a clear legal rationale is likely the most effective course of action.

Jessica Chen Weiss Associate Professor of Government, Cornell University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aoRSny

Philippines-China Relations After the Arbitration Ruling

The Philippine government does not want the Tribunal ruling to escalate security tensions in the South China Sea, acknowledging the enormous enforcement challenge with China’s rejection of the ruling. President Duterte is now counting on China’s goodwill. The arbitral ruling should guide China on how to behave more responsibly in the South China Sea.

Rommel C. Banlaoi Director, Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a22uJX

Pursuit of Post-Award Dialogue in the West Philippine Sea

All eyes are on the Philippines and China to see how these two states will behave now that a milestone decision on the three-year landmark dispute case has been rendered. From the Philippines’ side, it is important to decouple national interests from great power rivalry or from abstract principles like freedom of navigation. The arbitration decision may not compel China to action in the immediate term, but will contribute to lingering suspicions about China’s real intentions in its near seas.

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III Assistant Professorial Lecturer, De La Salle University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a1Za1B

The Philippines v. China: Tragedy and The Hague

The Hague Tribunal this week issued a decision that will most likely become a tool in the hands of the defenders of the status quo. How events will develop will depend on Duterte’s disposition, China’s diplomatic sagacity, and America’s response. If the China and the Philippines are unable to meet somewhere in the middle, it is the “law” that China will reject.

Jared McKinney Non-Resident Junior Fellow, Center for National Interest via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29O3dl7

Time for Reset and Realism in the South China Sea

After the South China Sea arbitration ruling, uncertainty and friction may increase in the region. However, the economic promise of China’s rise and the Asian century will only materialize with peace and stability in the region.

Dan Steinbock, Research Director, India China and America Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29HsDfo

Turn South China Sea Crisis into an Opportunity

—— Opening Remarks at International Law Colloquium on Maritime Disputes Settlement (15 July 2016)   Introduction I’m greatly honored to have the opportunity to speak in front of such an august gathering of legal experts. To those of you coming from different parts of the world, welcome to Hong Kong. China’s strategic […]

C.H.Tung Chairman, China-United States Exchange Foundation via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29A51x5

China-U.S. Relations after the South China Sea Ruling

China’s top envoy in Washington elaborates on why China rejects the arbitration on South China Sea, how China plans to deal with the disputes after the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and challenges the U.S. to “make the right choice” in relations with China.

Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to the United States via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29GsHON

What Does the South China Sea Ruling Mean, and What’s Next?

The author argues that China should work to bring the Code of Conduct it has been discussing with ASEAN to a conclusion and continue to engage concerned states in dialogue. He also cautions that Washington must be careful not to inadvertently contribute to the militarization of the region.

Joseph Chinyong Liow Senior Fellow, Foreign Policy, Center for East Asia Policy Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29Jsewo

The G20 Hangzhou Summit to Promote World Economy

Hosting the G20 Hangzhou summit will boost China’s reform and will be a new starting point for China’s growth and development. The Hangzhou summit will also set a new vision for the G20 and shape a new pattern for global economic growth, thus benefiting the entire international society.

Yin Chengde Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a4DmRR

Would Trump Reject U.S. ‘Empire Perspective’ in the Asia-Pacific?

The empire perspective thinks in hegemonic terms and emphasizes military power. The republic perspective thinks in multipolar terms and emphasizes diplomacy. These two perspectives are active in both the Democratic and Republican parties. In both parties, however, the empire perspective is dominant. Would a Trump presidency mean a continuation of the Pivot to Asia?

Clifford Kiracofe, Former Senior Member, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29AImPy

Unlawful Ruling Unhelpful for Easing Tension

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has made its award of the Philippines’ case on the South China Sea. As pointed out by many, the PCA was willed to extend its unfound jurisdiction over this case. Per design, the international tribunal that the PCA set up doesn’t qualify to judge […]

Shen Dingli Associate Dean, Fudan University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29DIpdj

Multiple Pressures & Strategic Balance: China, DPRK & The Peninsula Issue

China must keep in mind its significant interests in multiple aspects of the North Korea issue, as it tries its best to balance such interests under difficult circumstances and create conditions for improving China-DPRK ties while preserving its mutual security and stability goals with Washington and Seoul.

Shi Yinhong, Professor, Renmin University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29x85oD

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

Of Course China, Like All Great Powers, Will Ignore an International Legal Verdict

In ignoring an upcoming verdict on the South China Sea, Beijing is following well-established precedent by great powers.

Graham Allison Director, Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29xCG5F

Would Trump Reject U.S. ‘Empire Perspective’ in the Asia-Pacific?

The empire perspective thinks in hegemonic terms and emphasizes military power. The republic perspective thinks in multipolar terms and emphasizes diplomacy. These two perspectives are active in both the Democratic and Republican parties. In both parties, however, the empire perspective is dominant. Would a Trump presidency mean a continuation of the Pivot to Asia?

Clifford Kiracofe, Former Senior Member, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29AImPy

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

China in the Face of South China Sea: Perspective and Introspection Needed

China has an overall strategic environment and strategic tasks that are much bigger than the South China Sea issue. China should proceed from the perspective of the strategic situation, make peace with neighboring countries, and finally persuade the US to accept China’s role in Asia. Governments of China’s neighbors may support one element in the Chinese government’s basic position on the South China Sea issue, but not necessarily all elements, and Beijing must balance its strategic priorities.

Shi Yinhong, Professor, Renmin University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/29Knnwf

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

The G20 Hangzhou Summit to Promote World Economy

Hosting the G20 Hangzhou summit will boost China’s reform and will be a new starting point for China’s growth and development. The Hangzhou summit will also set a new vision for the G20 and shape a new pattern for global economic growth, thus benefiting the entire international society.

Yin Chengde Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2a4DmRR