Transforming U.S.-China Relations Are Hard to Untie

Chinese President Hu Jintao is now visiting the United States. This is Hu’s first formal state visit to the U.S. and will probably be the last one in his remaining term. Both sides therefore treat this visit with high regard. The U.S. welcomed Hu with its highest reception, while Hu brought 500 affluent merchants with him, signifying largess worth $45 billion.

There has been tension and disagreement between the U.S. and China during the past year. Both sides want to hold onto this chance to clarify each other’s attitudes and standpoints. The United States government wishes China could be more clear and straightforward on various issues, instead of stalling and being perfunctory. The U.S. also hopes to place a good foundation for establishing a framework of communication for the coming two years. China, on the other hand, hopes to resolve American worries and continue stably developing bilateral relations.

Observing all the events that have taken place including the media press and the releasing of U.S.–China Joint Statement, we can conclude that this visit is fair and compatible without surprises. Every event was on schedule and ended with the expected results. In terms of policy discussion, we can see that there were attempts to meet expectations from both sides. On some issues they even agreed to work collectively in the future. If Obama has one thing to be glad for about Hu’s visit, it may be the economic benefits. Despite the $45 billion largess, the Chinese promised to further open up their market, reduce trade burdens and protect intellectual properties, all having positive effects in increasing job opportunities in the United States.

Obama also mentioned how the Chinese yuan is undervalued. The Chinese, however, only stated that they will try to promote reform on the yuan and make the rate more flexible, while demanding the U.S. reduce its own deficit. The U.S. also kept an eye on human rights, and both sides agreed to launch a dialogue concerning this issue.

Hu noted that the talks were candid, pragmatic and constructive and that both countries should aim to increase common interests on the basis of mutual respect and equally-treated negotiations. He emphasized that China will hold onto the ideas of peaceful development and win-win strategies. On the issue of Taiwan, the U.S. expressed a positive attitude toward the development of cross-strait relations and praised the signing of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA). The U.S. hopes for increasing dialogue and interactions between Taiwan and China, while the Chinese restate that Taiwan is a concern of Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity.

No doubt this statement was a product of compromises made by both sides, with no shocks yet no breakthroughs.

It’s obvious that China wants to maintain a steady interaction with the U.S. based on the already-existing position of “positive, collaborative and comprehensive” U.S.–China relations. The U.S., on the other hand, expects the Chinese to carry out their promises and take American interests into account in international and Asia-Pacific affairs. In the press, President Obama admitted the positive effect on the U.S. and the world of a rising China, if China managed to be a responsible stakeholder in the international community. In short, the U.S. embraces the rise of China if it meets American interests and rules.

During the past year, the U.S. has condemned China for being more arbitrary on external affairs and claimed that the Chinese have neglected the national security and diplomatic benefits of the United States. More than a few Americans are suspicious that China covets the American position as the world’s superpower, while the U.S. is crawling its way out of the economic turmoil. However, the Chinese feel wronged and keep saying that their policy of peaceful development remains unchanged and that they won’t challenge the United States.

The real problem is the fact that the growing development of China would automatically alter its relations with the U.S. and affect the interests of other nations. The rise of a new superpower is just like a growing organism. Even if it’s true that China does not intend to challenge the U.S., clashes between the two are still inevitable.

No matter what, this visit should still have a positive effect in improving bilateral relations in the short run. Yet we shouldn’t expect too much of an outcome. After all, a joint statement is not going to untangle fast-transforming U.S.–China relations.