In a climate of strained diplomacy, a call-to-action arises: the US and China must revisit their current strategies and find innovative ways to mend their tense relationship.
As two of the world’s largest superpowers, the trajectory of their alliance impacts the entire global stage. Recent attempts at restoring dialogue, through the visits of the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Beijing, did little to alleviate tensions.
A more decisive and comprehensive approach is essential to redefine the US and China dynamic.
Reviving an outmoded approach: The problem at hand
Past diplomatic engagements seem to have taken on a cyclic pattern between the two nations, marked by extensive dialogue but no lasting resolution.
This trend is in sync with the commitment expressed by Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping at the G20 meeting in November 2022 – to lay a “floor” on the US and China relationship. While this floor signifies a halt to the plummeting rapport, it’s mere stabilizing, rather than uplifting.
Previous interactions from 2006 to 2017, which included Strategic Economic Dialogues and Strategic and Economic Dialogues, were notable for their grandeur but failed in effecting a significant change.
In the face of trade wars, tech wars, and the looming shadow of a new cold war, these dialogues appear insufficient. A glance at recent meetings evokes a sense of déjà vu – a return to past ineffective strategies.
Both American diplomats and Chinese Premier Li Qiang echo this approach, with the latter expressing hope for calm following the tumultuous period.
Towards a redefined US and China alliance: Proposed solutions
The US and China alliance needs more than a stabilizing “floor”; it needs a sturdy framework to prevent a recurrence of escalating conflicts. The vulnerability of the relationship was evident in the “February balloon fiasco,” illustrating how minor glitches can steer the situation off course.
A significant shift in the US-China dynamic has been the replacement of economic and trade focus with defence and security concerns. This pivot amplifies the potential for conflict, as disagreements are based more on assumptions of adversarial actions rather than hard data.
For instance, the US’s concerns about China’s advanced technology utilization for both commercial and military purposes are based on suspicion rather than solid evidence. Conversely, China views the US’s trade and technology sanctions as containment strategies, fueling mistrust and anxiety.
To confront these modern challenges, the past formula of leader-to-leader engagement is ineffective, susceptible to the fragility of political ego and domestic politics. A refreshing, forward-thinking solution would be the establishment of a US-China secretariat.
As the foundation of a new structure for Sino-American relations, it would be a permanent organization with a balanced team of US and Chinese professionals, located in a neutral jurisdiction.
The secretariat’s role would be multifaceted, from policy development to conflict resolution. By focusing on continuous relationship management and dispute screening, this proposed institution would depart from the personalization of diplomacy, introducing a robust institutionalization of collaborative problem-solving.
In the wake of a diplomatic thaw following a period of intense cold, it is imperative that the US and China capitalize on this moment to forge a new path in conflict resolution.
