President Hu Jintao of the Peoples Republic of China will make his first state visit to the White House on Thursday, April 20. The two presidents have many pressing, potentially contentious, issues to discuss. In their short time together, they would do well to agree to joint action on issues of common concern. A variety of energy and environmental issues are ripe for cooperation. Successful collaboration in these areas would not only advance the interests of both countries but could pave the way to more successful outcomes on other more difficult issues. Concerns on Both Sides Concerns are intensifying on Capitol Hill over China’s trade practices, currency manipulation, surplus savings, failure to protect U.S. intellectual property rights, violations of human rights, threats against Taiwan, and rapidly rising military spending. Further, the White House wants more cooperation from China in addressing nuclear proliferation concerns in Iran and North Korea. Beijing is concerned with maintaining good relations with the U.S., the largest economy in the world and China’s second biggest trade partner. China is depending on high flows of international trade and investment to rapidly grow its economy and create the 30 million to 40 million new jobs it needs each year to maintain internal social stability. Peaceful, secure international relations are key to China’s economic development. But the Chinese government, backed by strong popular nationalist sentiment, also demands to be treated with respect by the U.S. government after what many in China see as a 150-year legacy of disrespectful relations. The Chinese government thus views U.S. foreign and military policies around China’s borders with concern and suspicion. It will not be bullied or insulted. The fates of the U.S. and China are intricately intertwined and interdependent. The policies and economic forces of both countries (and of many others) have contributed to the imbalances and conflicts observed around the world today. The U.S. and China Will Have to Cooperate If the U.S. and China are to avoid a trade war, economic recession, and military confrontation which would serve neither country’s interest, they will have to negotiate and cooperate closely with each other and with other governments to address these challenges. This is no time for threats, brinkmanship, or public humiliation. It is a time for determined, quiet diplomacy, and joint action and compromise for the common good. Conflict is inevitable in U.S.-China relations; war is not. To avoid the path to increased hostility, confrontation, and war, the U.S. and China must learn to manage their conflicts much more effectively and with greater mutual understanding. Building trust and confidence will be key, but it will also be very difficult. The U.S. and China have a long legacy of hostility, distrust, gun-boat diplomacy, and war to overcome. Cooperation Is Possible A good place to start a new legacy of cooperation and engagement for mutual benefit would be on issues of strong, common concern. Both countries have compelling needs to reduce oil dependence, improve energy efficiency, develop renewable energy, and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Successful initiatives in these areas could serve as the foundation for cooperation and engagement on other, more difficult issues. Please see our China webpage at http://www.fcnl.org/china. For more FCNL perspectives on U.S.-China relations, please read the following articles from the FCNL Washington Newsletter. One-time free registration is required. “What’s Needed to Reduce Threat of U.S. War with China,” November/December 2005 “U.S.-China Relations: Learning to Live with Interdependence,” July/August 2005 “U.S. China Policy at a Crossroads: Constructive Engagement, or Hostile Containment?” July/August 2005
“Rising U.S. and Chinese Oil Dependence: Time for Cooperation, Not Confrontation,” July/August 2005.
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