Don’t expect miracles from S&ED

• Source: Global Times
• [07:57 July 27 2009]
• Comments

As a result, there are concerns in some capitals that America’s search for a solution to its worst economic crisis since the Great Depression may lead the Obama administration into not only expanded strategic and economic dialogues with China but also deal blows to its strategic partnership elsewhere.

But to those who worry, it is important to know that China does not agree with “G2” theory, citing the country’s status as a developing nation and its trust in multilateral mechanism to resolve issues as evidence.

Meanwhile, both Beijing and Washington believe the S&ED is a bilateral mechanism designed to achieve greater mutual congruence on matters of shared concern. It is not a forum for the US and China to solve all of the world’s problems.

But will wonders happen this time? It seems unlikely, but there can be progress regardless.

According to official documents, “both P r e s i d e n t Obama and President Hu Jintao of China have placed the S&ED at the center of the bilateral relationship. They are committed to delivering concrete, meaningful and sustained progress over time on long-term strategic and economic objectives through the S&ED.”

In plain words, Jeffrey Bader, from the East Asian affairs office for the National Security Council, gave his version: “China, since its reform and opening-up policies 30 years ago, has made a series of choices that were all designed to be supportive of the existing order.” Geithner puts it even more simpler: “They (China) have a deep stake in the system now. And they recognize this.”

I am afraid the hope is similar from Beijing to Washington: recognize the reality of the situation for what it is.

Tian Wei is the host of “Dialogue” on CCTV's English Channel, and the main anchor of CCTV's special coverage of important domestic and international events. Previously, Tian worked in Washington D.C. as a correspondent, and covered the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her blog is http://blog.cctv.com/html/09/960109.html. Reach her at tianwei.gt@gmail.com