Fw: Chinese President Comes to Washington: What Next for U.S.-China Relations? - FCNL

----- Original Message -----
From: "Joe Volk" <joevolk@fcnl.org>
To: "Miriam Vieni" <miriamvieni@optonline.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2006 5:09 PM
Subject: Chinese President Comes to Washington: What Next for U.S.-China
Relations? - FCNL

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.
http://www.fcnl.org/now/now_item.php?item_id=406&issue_id=6

"U.S.-China Relations: Learning to Live with Interdependence,"
July/August 2005.
http://www.fcnl.org/now/now_item.php?item_id=75&issue_id=6

"U.S. China Policy at a Crossroads: Constructive Engagement, or
Hostile Containment?" July/August 2005.
http://www.fcnl.org/now/now_item.php?item_id=76&issue_id=6

"Rising U.S. and Chinese Oil Dependence: Time for Cooperation, Not
Confrontation," July/August 2005.
http://www.fcnl.org/now/now_item.php?item_id=77&issue_id=6

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