Apr 06, 2018

China’s involvement in the negotiation process with North Korea and in the ultimate implementation of any agreement is essential. It will take serious effort to develop policies, organizations, and processes that simultaneously satisfy the DPRK, Beijing, and America. That just makes it more important that multilateral discussions begin on these issues.

Mar 19, 2018

With the selection of CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace Rex Tillerson as secretary of state, China in particular is more likely to become a target of the Trump administration.

Mar 06, 2018

Today the PRC’s middle class is thought to number about 430 million, larger than America’s entire population. As this number grows so will China’s buying power, offering one possible antidote to the Trump administration’s trade complaints.

Feb 09, 2018

Washington’s current Asia-Pacific strategy is financially unsustainable. Instead of trying to organize a containment system, Washington should focus on advancing its few serious interests, such as freedom of navigation. Otherwise the U.S. should step back and leave China’s neighbors free to respond to whatever they believe necessary.

Jan 08, 2018

For its first two decades the PRC was anathema to the U.S. Not until Mao’s death in 1976 could one imagine normal relations between the two nations. Today the Chinese people have opportunities and freedoms once unimaginable. U.S. policy should focus on the long-term, encouraging coming generations in China to take control of their future.

Dec 14, 2017

Beijing has the power to do most anything that it wants not only in the mainland but also Hong Kong (and Macau). However, prudence counsels for less rather than more.

Nov 30, 2017

U.S. officials sometimes appear mystified at Beijing’s refusal to enthusiastically adopt America’s perspective toward the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. They should flip the situation around and think of Mexico. Would Washington accept a Chinese demand that might cause the collapse of the Mexican government, creating the possibility of civil war, loose nuclear weapons, humanitarian crisis, and mass refugee flows?

Nov 15, 2017

President Xi is likely to lead China for many more years. Although the PRC’s climb to greatness is not assured, it is likely to pose an ever more serious challenge to the U.S. The Trump administration must demonstrate maturity and sophistication if Washington is going to respond effectively.

Nov 01, 2017

On trade, Beijing seeks what the Trump administration demands—what it perceives as economic advantage. The PRC is no more likely than Washington to offer unilateral benefits. China’s stance is likely to toughen after the latest Chinese Communist Party congress. He is unlikely to make a priority of satisfying Secretary Tillerson’s desire for “movement.”

Oct 13, 2017

Prime Minister Abe has taken merely the first step in a potentially long reconciliation process. However, both countries should put the indefensible past behind them. Making Asia more stable and peaceful would benefit America as well. Both China and Japan should recognize that shared interests in the future are more important than bitter antagonisms of the past.