US strategy aimed at hearts and minds

• Source: Global Times
• [22:21 June 02 2010]
• Comments

Ni Feng

GT: Where does China stand over the new report?

Ding: China and the US have now entered an era when both sides know that problems cannot be solved without the help of the other. This is also the ground tone of Obama's new security strategy. The US wants China to take up more responsibility, while China knows its national power is not as solid as the US claims, and therefore is a bit reluctant in the discussions.

However, if the US is willing to discuss things with China, this is a positive sign. China's develop-ment won't be disrupted by troubles made by the US. Yet its development will certainly be much smoother without these obstacles

Shen: The US is not in favor of pushing China into the front. The Obama administration, if it is willing to communicate with China rather than blocking China off, may witness greater conflu-ence on economic interests. It intends to work more closely with China.

It is possible to form a new type of "quasi-alliance" relationship between China and the US, at least over economic cooperation, if not in other areas. Looking at it from a broad perspective of Chinese interests, we have to pay for our share of international stability, but it will pay dividends in return. That's why we will make the decision by ourselves due to the possible benefits, not prompted by the US.

Han: The US would like to concentrate more on cooperating with China. The participation of the US Pacific commander in the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue held recently illustrated that the US will further strengthen cooperation and exchanges in the military field with China.

However, whether China can play a useful role in the international military field depends on the international military situation and also the desire of China to participate. This initiative to some extent lies in China's own hands.

Ni: The US attitude toward China has always been a two-sided coin. On the one hand the US has recognized the development of China's strength, hoping for cooperation with China on many issues, which helps China integrate into the US-led international system.

But on the other hand, it has serious doubts about the rise of China, regarding China as a future challenger. The US intentions of sharing international responsibility with China will not to en-able China to lead the world.

For China, it should strive to promote the positive aspect of the US policy toward China and to offset its negative effect.