China and the United States have recently resumed military-to-military communications, a move that retired Senior Colonel Zhou Bo of the People’s Liberation Army views as both a continuation and a new development in bilateral relations. In a recent interview, Zhou emphasized the importance of direct dialogues between regional commands to effectively manage crises and prevent potential conflicts.
“The announcement of establishing dialogues and talks between regional commands is something new,” Zhou stated. “Direct talks at the regional command level are most efficient because, in a crisis, while decision-making at the top level is crucial, it’s the aircrews and sailors on the frontlines who first deal with situations.”
Addressing the notion of a “new Cold War” between China and the United States, Zhou offered a nuanced perspective. “You only know whether you have gone through a ‘new Cold War’ if you have actually avoided a hot war,” he explained. Drawing parallels to the Cold War between the U.S. and the former USSR, he noted that despite daily preparations for potential hot war characterized by mutually assured destruction (MAD), direct conflict was ultimately avoided through joint efforts.
“When we talk about whether we have entered a ‘new Cold War’ or not, we don’t know yet,” Zhou said. “We won’t know until we have successfully managed to avoid conflicts or wars. Then we can say we have probably avoided a ‘new Cold War.'”
On the topic of Middle East issues, Zhou expressed optimism about potential cooperation between China and the United States. “In the Middle East, I believe China and the United States do not have conflicting interests,” he remarked. He highlighted two primary areas for collaboration: supporting the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power.
“This conflict tells you that to avoid such conflicts, you just need common sense,” Zhou said. “The Palestinians deserve to have their own homeland. It’s like in a marriage where someone doesn’t feel it’s possible anymore to live with their spouse—they ask for a divorce so both can start a new life.”
Regarding Iran, Zhou emphasized the shared interest of China, the United States, and Iran itself in preventing nuclear proliferation. “It is the common wish of China and the United States to see Iran not becoming a nuclear power,” he asserted. “It is also in the interest of Iran not to become a nuclear power.”
Zhou’s insights underscore the potential for constructive engagement between China and the United States in addressing global challenges. By focusing on areas of mutual interest and maintaining open lines of communication, both nations can work toward stability and peace in critical regions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
