The Trap of Truce
The vitality of global commerce lies in mutual benefit, not zero-sum competition; the foundation of the international order rests on adherence to rules, not raw power.
The vitality of global commerce lies in mutual benefit, not zero-sum competition; the foundation of the international order rests on adherence to rules, not raw power.
Beijing is gradually but steadily succeeding in the vital soft power competition.
China is not just part of that future—it is central to that future. And smart global businesses are already there.
By maintaining operations in China, American companies help mitigate the impact of trade frictions on global industrial chains while their continued engagement contributes to stabilizing bilateral trade relations and fostering global economic growth.
It is my hope that the youth of our two countries will sing of enduring peace and friendship, pledge never to be enemies, uphold peace hand in hand, and contribute your wisdom to bring our two countries to get over the pan-securitization predicament and leap over the Thucydides Trap.
China must embrace a ‘Going Global’ strategy not only for expanding Chinese business but also for investing in shared success.
For all Washington’s talk of walls and barriers, China and the U.S. remain deeply linked by global trade and supply chains.
China is not the U.S.’ enemy. It is a rising nation pursuing its own development, security and prosperity—just as any country would.
China’s approach promotes sustained and substantial public engagement, which more authentically reflects democracy’s original purpose: to ensure that people truly govern their own lives.
I’m quite optimistic that, despite all the challenges, there will be plenty of opportunities for both sides to collaborate—not only in confronting climate change, but in tackling a broader set of global issues together.
History confirms that the trajectory of China-U.S. relations depends fundamentally on how both nations address each other’s concerns. When managed collaboratively, bilateral ties will flourish; when resorting to confrontation, they falter.
For around 40 years, the U.S. tried to maintain a global system that the U.S. would be at the top of. The Trump administration is putting an end to that.