An influential Chinese expert has called for a “whole society approach” to stabilize and improve China-U.S. relations, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and engagement at multiple levels. Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), shared his insights during a recent roundtable discussion on “Navigating the Future: Strategic Imperatives for Global Resilience”.
Wang noted that the relationship between China and the United States is entering a “stabilizing stage” following years of tension caused by trade disputes and a lack of communication during the pandemic. He highlighted the necessity of high-level exchanges, citing recent visits by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the Chinese mainland.
“I think it’s crucial that leaders of both countries, foreign ministers of both countries, meet and discuss common issues,” Wang said. “Being the two largest economies in the world, there are so many common challenges that we have to face.”
He acknowledged that progress has been made, though not as much as desired. “Certainly there has been progress. It’s not as satisfactory as we can see, but we have to know that the system in the U.S. is different from the system in China,” he explained.
Wang pointed out that internal political dynamics in the United States can complicate bilateral relations. “It’s very easy to have China as a scapegoat, particularly during election season,” he said. “President Biden’s remarks on adding more tariffs on steel and other products are really to accommodate nationalism and populism, which I think is part of U.S. politics.”
To overcome these challenges, Wang advocated for enhanced communication and engagement beyond high-level diplomatic visits. “We need to have more senior officials to come, but we even should have more congressmen, senators, people from states and governors to come because that has been diminishing for some time,” he suggested.
He emphasized the role of the business community in advocating for better relations, noting that many international CEOs are frustrated with the current environment but feel constrained in expressing their views openly. “They all know China is a big market. They have to be here. They were really enjoying the big progress they made,” Wang said. “But they cannot say it. It’s become politically incorrect to say we want to expand in China or do business in China.”
Wang concluded by stressing the need for a comprehensive approach involving all sectors of society. “That would be my thinking—that we should really have a whole society approach so that gradually we can stabilize and minimize those negative sentiments,” he said. “We need the congressmen, senators, governors, mayors, academics, think tanks… everybody comes, and student exchange, and tourism, so that we can really have a whole society approach to improve the bilateral relationship.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
