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

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

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

Who Bombed the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan?

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

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

The G20 and a New Era Global Governance

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

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

Supply Gets a Bit Stable While Demand Weakens

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

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

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

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

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

China’s Global Image Improves, New Survey Finds

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

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

America’s China Policy and its Implications for Allies

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

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

Led by China, G20 Must Reverse the Eclipse of Globalization

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

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

China Needs a Denver

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

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

The Role of Security Assistance in Washington’s Pivot to Southeast Asia

Security assistance is a tangible means of bolstering partner nations’ ability to fend off Chinese maritime coercion. If the U.S. truly seeks to shift its strategic weight to the Asia-Pacific, it must consider ways to rebalance its security assistance programs to enable its maritime Southeast Asian partners, as they defend the front lines.

Edward Linczer Research Associate, American Enterprise Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bluv0p

Chinese and American Responses to an Open Global Economy

The US should follow the historical trend of trade liberalization, abandon protectionism, and engage in non-discriminatory free trade. That is the only winning formula for its own and the rest of the world’s economic difficulties.

Yin Chengde Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bBVHW8

U.S. Elections and the War on Trade

Donald Trump’s nomination as the presumptive GOP candidate has come amid global alarm that the openly protectionist candidate will launch a series of anti-free trade initiatives if elected. However, a trade war with Mexico, and even more so with China, would have catastrophic consequences for the U.S. economy.

Fernando Menéndez Economist via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bLymTV

USCBC 2016 Membership Survey: The Business Environment in China

The US-China Business Council has released the key findings of its 2016 annual member survey. For the past 11 years, USCBC has polled its members on their business performance in China and their priority issues.

China-US Focus via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bk0dIb

China Can Save South Sudan

China is South Sudan’s last best hope. Given the interminable bloodletting and brutal fratricide that engulfs Africa’s youngest nation, and given the inability of the African Union and United States to broker an effective peace, intervention and assistance by China may provide South Sudan with its only viable lifeline.

Robert I. Rotberg Founding Director of Program on Intrastate Conflict, Harvard Kennedy School via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bOlv3k

Negative Interest Rates Aggravate Global Economy

The tool of negative interest rates has not worked, but has spread to dangerous levels. If the current global crisis bailout methods are not fundamentally reformed, and the old policy options continue to be applied, the possibility of another global crisis in the future can not be ruled out.

Zhang Monan, Researcher, China Int'l Economic Exchanges Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2c5ARDC

U.S. Elections and the War on Trade

Donald Trump’s nomination as the presumptive GOP candidate has come amid global alarm that the openly protectionist candidate will launch a series of anti-free trade initiatives if elected. However, a trade war with Mexico, and even more so with China, would have catastrophic consequences for the U.S. economy.

Fernando Menéndez Economist via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bLymTV

Challenges in Global Governance

Amid changes in global political culture and turbulent relations between powers, it is unprecedentedly difficult to create, readjust and implement rules of global governance. Efforts must be made to resist the populist, nativist and nationalist political culture that is expanding and increasing throughout the world so that major-power relations can be stabilized and improved.

Shi Yinhong, Professor, Renmin University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bbezAj

G20 Hangzhou Summit and UN 2030 Agenda

Strategies to stabilize world commodities and promote industrialization in Africa are key to achieving the goals of global governance and for sustainable growth. Giving less-developed nations outside the G20 an economic boost is a necessary commitment if any long-term global strategies are to be successful.

He Weiwen Co-director, China-US/EU Study Center, China Association of International Trade via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bNB79d

A Line In the Sea

It is unlikely that the decision by The Hague on the Philippines case will settle all of these matters. That said, one can envision a path forward, beginning with an immediate freeze on all activities in the disputed territories. That would lower tensions, allowing everyone to take a deep breath.

Robert A. Manning and James Przystup via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2boCZUM

Blinkered Justice at The Hague on the South China Sea

The arbitral panel had an opportunity to chart a constructive approach to one of the foremost legal questions of the Asia-Pacific. However, where it should have chosen to foster mutually cooperative tendencies on ill-understood provisions of the law, the award performed a disservice with consequences that will reverberate for a considerable time to come.

Sourabh Gupta Resident Senior Fellow, Institute for China-America Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bX7ZgR

Why the U.S.-South Korea Missile Shield Could Provoke China to Develop Advanced Weaponry

The author argues that the agreement to deploy THAAD to South Korea may mark the first major step in a slow shift towards more strategically mandated Chinese missile development.

Ian Armstrong via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2brSeNh

Positive Energy Key to Hangzhou G20

The G20 Summit hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping will help alleviate current problems in a troubled world and become yet another milestone of a rising China. Despite US fickleness toward emerging countries, the summit may usher in a new era of global governance in which China will emerge as a leader with the world’s major powers, old and new, working together for common benefit.

Chen Xiangyang, Deputy Director, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2beRavB

THAAD: A Major Security Risk for the ROK

No matter how the wrangling over THAAD evolves, it will ignite strategic gaming as well as new and high military technology competition among major powers. Pentagon planners may be rejoicing over the ROK decision to embrace the American project, but the US will have no control over the reaction to the deployment.

Yang Xiyu, Senior Fellow, China Institute of Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bJZYMf

More Positive Energy Needed in Sino-U.S. Ties

Difference and rivalry exist between China and the US, but it is also true that they share common interests and need cooperation. This “rivalry plus cooperation” relationship will continue, despite talk of war that some fear could develop into a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Tao Wenzhao, Researcher, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bJZYfd

Filling the Void: Mental Health Care in China

As the need and demand for quality mental health becomes apparent throughout China, a major concern is the scant professional resources currently available. Opportunity exists for collaboration around research, training and program development. China can learn and benefit from the U.S.’ mistakes and successes in developing a successful community engagement approach.

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

China, Central Asia, and Conspiracy Theories

Incomprehension of the Chinese foreign policy goals in Central Asia by local elites, in addition to a historic legacy of confrontation between the Chinese empire and Central Asian nomadic tribes, serves as a fertile ground for the popularisation of speculative knowledge. As a result, Chinese initiatives in the region are clouded by rumours and conspiracies.

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

Leading the Way for World Economic Growth

Despite challenging times, by embracing innovation the Hangzhou G20 Summit will help bring about sustainable, strong and balanced global growth and chart a new direction for world economic development, namely, towards an innovative, invigorated, interconnected and inclusive world economy.

Wu Zhenglong, Research Fellow, China Foundation for Int'l Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aQaMY3

Informatization, ICT’s and the Future of Internet for China

The Chinese government published its national cyber strategy, which aims to transform it into a strong Internet power within this century. It will have a considerable impact on how China will attempt not only to reshape the architecture information and communication technologies at home, but also how it will position itself in global strategic terms.

Rogier Creemers Research Officer, Programme for Comparative Media Law and Policy, University of Oxford via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aXVMpz

Asia Needs Unity, Not Fragmentation

Asia is famous for its multiple civilizations and their core value systems that have guided Asian nations since ancient times. Recent decades have seen China making great contributions to regional economic growth and unity with its peaceful and rapid development. Common development will always be the hallmark of this great region.

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

U.S. Economic and Trade Policies with China Need A Forward Look

The economic relationship should have evolved with China and U.S. economies’ “New Normal”, but a variety of fears are in the way. The U.S. would like to decrease its reliance on consumption as the engine of growth, relying more on domestic investment and exports. China seeks more consumer spending, and less reliance on domestic investment and exports. Those goals are highly complementary and mutually reinforcing, creating opportunities that should not be missed.

Yu Xiang, Research Fellow, CICIR via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bh9Mgf

China-Southeast Asia Connectivity: Opportunities and Challenges for the Maritime Silk Road

Connectivity is a shared interest for China and Southeast Asia, and the Maritime Silk Road represents part of the continuing efforts to highlight this. Southeast Asia is important for China’s neighborhood and periphery diplomacy; hence the management or resolution of regional concerns represents a continuing challenge for Chinese foreign policy.

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III Assistant Professorial Lecturer, De La Salle University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bs873T

Political Decay Leads to Institutional Crisis

American democracy boasts of universal representation of social segments, but in reality it is money that talks. Neither the Republican Party nor the Democrats can claim that to have served the interests of the working class well, resulting in a crisis of political institutions that need major surgery to survive.

He Yafei former Vice Minister, State Council Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bs8pHV

How to Read the Current Chinese Economic Situation

China’s economy did not get out of the difficulty of downward pressure and was mainly fueled by real estate and price increases in the first half of the year. If China’s central bank tightens its monetary policy to some extent, the real estate market may start a periodic adjustment to be more sustainable, but the growth picture will be less rosy for the second half of 2016.

Yi Xianrong Professor, Qingdao University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2b1C0a8

Much-Forgotten China-U.S. Maritime Teamwork

Cooperation in non-security areas is stimulating more opportunities in security areas, despite efforts by third parties to diminish strategic trust between the two navies.

Zhao Weibin, Researcher, PLA Academy of Military Science via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aPFm26

China-U.S. BIT Could Be a Treat to the Global Economy

Despite US claims that China has too many restrictions on investment, and a US election year that’s elevated anti-trade forces, both countries have every reason to move quickly to complete a bilateral trade agreement.

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

Reassessing the UNCLOS-Defined South China Sea

The once anticipated expansive maritime entitlements of numerous small maritime features have now been determined to possess nothing greater than a 12 nautical mile territorial sea. Now, all of the claimants in the South China Sea should be able to step back and reassess how they view the region both diplomatically and peacefully.

Donald R Rothwell Professor of International Law, Australian National University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aNdw9B

Managing Strategic Competition Between China and the U.S.

China believes that it can cultivate a relationship with the U.S. based on peaceful co-existence. However, the South China Sea is proving a collision point between U.S. hegemony and Chinese interests in safeguarding its own security and development.

Cui Liru Former President, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2bfdp6y

U.S. Biggest Loser in South China Sea Arbitration

It is good to see the US side has demonstrated a degree of constructiveness regarding China-US relations. After Washington’s failed interference in the “arbitration” case, the US should recognize that cooperation leads to win-win, and confrontation is a formula of lose-lose.

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

U.S. Elections Rarely Foretell Future U.S.-China Relations

Rather than focusing on the nominees’ rhetoric, Professor Timothy Webster explores their actions vis-à-vis China and the international economy during their respective careers. Whoever wins in November, the next administration will likely enact a China policy stressing economic engagement, person-to-person interaction, and cooperation on a wide range of global challenges — despite fundamental disagreements with China about a number of issues.

Tim Webster Assistant Professor of Law Director of Asian Legal Studies via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aEO3cV

THAAD: Managing the Fall-Out from Beijing and Moscow

Following months of assessment by a Joint Working Group, the U.S. Defense Department announced in July that the U.S. Forces Korea Command will station a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in South Korea “as a defensive measure to ensure the security of the nation and its people, and to protect alliance military forces from North Korea's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile threats.”

Richard Weitz, Senior Fellow, Hudson Institute via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aL3DVP

ROK: The Biggest Loser of THAAD

Seoul should fully understand the consequences of THAAD in the ROK, reverse the deployment decision and cooperate with countries concerned in an effort to force the DPRK to abandon its nuclear project and mitigate the tense situation in the Korean Peninsula. THAAD will only produce two winners: the U.S. and the DPRK.

Fan Gaoyue retired senior colonel via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aXmr3E

U.S. Gains and Losses of Its Operations in the South China Sea

The notorious arbitration case will become a negative example in the history of international judicial and legal practice. In the meantime, the US has lost support among ordinary Chinese people for what had been a popular China policy.

Mandy Peng via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2b6yO1M

Trade Policy Framework Needed to Boost the Global Value Chain

In order to enhance global trade and value creation, reducing trade friction-induced costs should be a top priority, which will contribute to elevating GVC cooperation in Asia and at large. Measures should be taken to lower the average tariff level by paring peak tariff, and encourage further trade liberalization.

Zhang Monan, Researcher, China Int'l Economic Exchanges Center via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2atpq7o

Two Fatal Mistakes to Be Avoided for China

It’s dangerous to assume that globalization and economic exchanges can override rivalry in the field of security, and China needs to accept and handle that rivalry while maintaining a medium-to-high rate of economic growth during the economic “new normal” stage. Without a robust economy, China will not be able to unite its people to win competition among big nations.

Zhong Wei Professor, Beijing Normal University via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aSSbd6

Way Forward for South China Sea Dispute

Way forward for South China Sea dispute: “friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned“[1] United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea (“UNCLOS”) is one of the most relevant international instruments in today’s current disputes that spread from Southeast Asia to the United States. There are 168 […]

Teresa Cheng Senior Counsel, Chartered Arbitrator and Accredited Mediator via CHINA US Focus http://ift.tt/2aCzPfJ