China Holds Discussions with the US

Curtail Tendencies for Unilateralism

High-level officials from the Chinese and U.S. governments met in Beijing for the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, where they discussed a wide range of topics, including security guarantees, diplomacy and the economy. Both countries strongly disagreed on issues surrounding the territorial rights of the East and South China Seas. They also failed to reach an agreement on the ongoing issues with cybersecurity. Despite these failures, the fact that these two highly influential countries’ officials meet face to face once a year to discuss issues that concern the U.S., China and the international world is significant.

Firm Stance on Maritime Claims

This past year, wishing to expand its maritime claims and military presence, Xi Jinping’s administration strengthened its stance toward neighbors like Japan and Vietnam. I hope China restrains these unilateral tendencies and heads toward the true “peaceful rise” it has claimed.

This is the sixth time the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue has been held since its establishment at a summit meeting in April 2009 and the first meeting in July that same year. The main topics on the agenda this time were (1) territorial rights of the East and South China Seas, (2) cybersecurity, (3) minority groups and human rights, (4) nuclear development in North Korea, (5) the environment (i.e. climate change), and (6) a U.S.-China investment treaty and the Chinese yuan.

On the issue of territorial disputes, although the U.S. delegation requested China act according to the “order of the law,” Chinese representatives objected and responded that they were “determined to protect [China’s] territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.”* It therefore appears that maritime friction will continue between China and its neighboring countries.

However, according to a U.S. government announcement, the two agreed to “include U.S. Coast Guard and China’s maritime law enforcement agencies in an air and maritime rules of behavior working group,” and their “two militaries agreed to develop relations by building a sustained and substantive defense dialogue, explore practical areas of cooperation, and enhance risk reduction measures.” I would like to commend both countries for agreeing on these issues in this unexpected avoidance of conflict.

The U.S. government indicted five members of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army believed to be involved in the cyberattacks in May. Although Secretary of State Kerry pointed out in a news conference that “the loss of intellectual property through cyber [spying] has a chilling effect on innovation and investment,” China is not expected to restore the cybersecurity working group it suspended due to this incident.

International Cooperation & Democratization

Although we tend to focus only on the points of contention, there were many points agreed on, such as cooperative efforts concerning climate change and the nuclear issues in North Korea, improving the flexibility of the exchange rate system, and accelerated negotiations toward a U.S.-China investment treaty.

Last March, the newly inaugurated Xi put forth the “Chinese Dream” and the goal of becoming a great country comparable to the U.S. In Shanghai at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (with 26 member states) last May, Xi gave a speech where he stated that “peace in Asia must be preserved by the people of Asia,” thereby checking the United States’ Asia-focused policy. Since last year, Xi opposed the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, where Japan holds powerful positions, and began to advocate for the establishment of an Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

There is always a cooperative side and an antagonistic side to U.S.-China relations. However, with continuous encouragement from the U.S. government, I hope China will cooperate with the international world and head down the path toward becoming a democratic, “open” major power.

*Editor’s Note: This quotation, accurately translated, could not be verified.