Sep 19, 2017

In any normal sense America has little to fear from the PRC. Even if Beijing desired to threaten the American homeland, conquer U.S. territories, or interdict American commerce, it has little ability to do so. What China seeks is to end Washington’s dominance along the former’s coast, an objective more defensive than offensive.

Sep 07, 2017

Washington officials hope to preserve America’s military dominance everywhere on earth, with the ability to defeat any nation anywhere at any time. That’s an attractive vision for policymakers used to basking in the world’s deference but is not necessary to protect the U.S.—its people and their territory, liberties, and prosperity. To the contrary, the tendency to treat advancing even the most peripheral interest as warranting war today means that America is never at peace.

Aug 22, 2017

What China almost certainly desires is an independent but friendly buffer state. For that reason it resists U.S. demands to impose bone-crunching economic sanctions on the North. However, this stance reflects more than a desire to annoy America. Rather, Beijing sees it as a matter of national security.

Aug 07, 2017

If U.S. policy is determined by passion, ignorance, and myopia, the prospects of maintaining a peaceful relationship are far lower. President Trump is not a stupid man, but until he seeks to educate himself he risks acting stupidly. Then the cost for both nations, and most of Asia, could be quite high.

Jul 26, 2017

At a time when Beijing seems inclined to turn inward economically, emphasizing state control and punishing foreign investors, American firms should point out the obvious economic benefits of attracting outside capital. American and other foreign firms could create some of the jobs necessary to employ Chinese workers who have come to expect a better life—and are likely to protest if that future does not materialize.

Jul 14, 2017

As the North Korean nuclear issues escalates due to the rough state’s recent ICBM testing, the United States should seek a new approach to court Chinese cooperation on the matter. By offering carrots as well as sticks, the two countries can combat nuclear proliferation and address security threats at the same time.

Jun 28, 2017

Expecting the People’s Republic of China to destroy its ally while the U.S. was busy elsewhere in the region seeking to contain Chinese military power, and to do so without receiving anything in return, never was realistic. Unspecified trade concessions simply weren’t enough to make a deal. Washington should revive the North’s proposal for a freeze on its activities in return for an end to annual military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea.

Jun 15, 2017

China has an increasing opportunity to share global leadership. Unless the U.S. recognizes U.S.-China relations as a positive-sum game, China may eventually surpass the U.S. economically through global leadership and innovation.

May 19, 2017

North does not threaten America geographically as two nations do not share a land border, but President Trump apparently is certain that Pyongyang’s weapons programs are Washington’s problem. This prospect has pushed the Trump administration into frenetic if not necessarily productive activity.

Apr 27, 2017

Both the Chinese Communist Party and People’s Liberation Army have a special interest in the PRC’s relationship with the North. But presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump seem to understand each other on the Korean Peninsula issue, and there may be no better opportunity for the U.S. and Chinese governments to come to an understanding.