In a significant development this week, the leaders of the Chinese mainland and the United States, Xi Jinping and Joe Biden, engaged in a candid phone conversation to discuss Beijing-Washington relations and areas of mutual interest.
Xi stressed the importance of strategic perception in their bilateral relationship, likening it to ensuring the first button of a shirt is fastened correctly. This highlights the foundational role that understanding each other's perspectives plays in maintaining strong ties.
Over recent years, the U.S. has shifted its view of China from a potential \"responsible stakeholder\" to a \"strategic competitor.\" This change, as noted by the Brookings Institution, reflects growing concerns among American politicians about China's increasing global influence.
Consequently, Washington has been adjusting its policies, moving from active engagement to more assertive containment strategies. Economically, the U.S. has implemented measures aimed at curbing China's technology and trade advancements, with more Chinese entities appearing on sanction lists. Militarily, the Pentagon has ramped up activities in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait to deter perceived threats. Diplomatically, the White House is working to strengthen alliances within its anti-Beijing bloc.
These shifts have heightened the risk of confrontation between the world's two largest economies. The strained relationship, described by Biden as \"the most consequential relationship in the world,\" is caught in a downward spiral, emphasizing the need for open and straightforward bilateral talks.
Maintaining open communication channels is crucial to reducing misunderstandings and setting clear boundaries in China-US strategic competition. This approach aims to prevent potential derailments in one of the most important global relationships.
