Still way too soon to gamble on the potential US decline

• Source: Global Times
• [22:13 March 31 2010]
• Comments

A nation cannot be seen as a rising power if it is still facing political uncertainty and social turmoil on a daily basis.

The US appears to be chaotic and even paralyzed, but its strength lies in the stability of its political and economic systems. It may be going through a relative decline, but its absolute power cannot be challenged.

The astounding progress made by China through centralization of power makes one feel its rise is unstoppable, but the national mobilization model often carries a huge social and political price tag.

A nation fearful of its decline is always nervous and sensitive to mistreatment. A nation on the rise has a lot of pride and fearlessness. When at the mercy of popular sentiment, both the Chinese and US governments tend to lose perspective and may careen into gigantic collisions with unforeseen consequences.

It's just as well that those at the top are not blinded by such talk, and remain keenly aware of both nations' need for a strong bilateral relationship.

The author is director of the China Program at the Carter Center in Atlanta, US. yawei.liu@emory.edu