Dialogue between the US and China is Vital

Chinese Defense Minister General Li Shangfu, has attended the Asia premier defense summit at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 4, 2023. At the event, he delivered a speech that criticized the US for its cold war mentality and its patrols freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. He said that a war with the US would be an “unbearable disaster” for the World, and that China seeks dialogue over conflict. He did however defend China’s decision to sail a warship across the path of an American ship transiting the Taiwan Strait, which the US called an act of “provocation” and an “unsafe maneuver”. He said that countries from outside the region were raising tensions, and that China would not allow naval patrols by the US and its allies to be “a pretext to exercise navigation hegemony”.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, also at the summit, has rebuked China for refusing to hold military discussions, saying that the US was committed to defending its interests and values in the Indo-Pacific, working closely with allies and partners to deter China. He said that the US was open to engaging with China on areas of mutual concern, such as climate change, non-proliferation, and that “Conflict is neither imminent nor inevitable. Deterrence is strong today – and it’s our job to keep it that way”.

The US-China relationship in 2023 is marked by deepening strategic rivalry and mistrust, but also by limited engagement and dialogue which has involved increased sabrer rattling between them. The two countries have divergent interests and values on issues such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, trade, technology, human rights, and regional security. They also have some overlapping interests on issues such as climate change, non-proliferation and global governance. The challenge for both sides is to manage their differences without allowing further escalation to lead to conflict or to decoupling of their economies or societies.

The opportunities for cooperation between the US and China depend largely on their willingness and ability to compartmentalize their relationship and to pursue pragmatic solutions on common challenges. They must engage in dialogue and confidence-building measures to reduce misunderstandings and miscalculations.

The relationship between them is likely to remain competitive and contentious, but it also has potential for cooperation and engagement. The two countries will need to balance their interests and values, manage their differences and risks, and seek common ground and solutions. The future of the relationship between them will have significant implications for themselves as well as for regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity. Dialogue between these two giants is vital for us all.

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh