This is the relationship that really matters. It is the one that will define the 21st century, and even determine the future of the planet.
Trump could never figure out what he wanted from China. Were the Chinese an existential threat to our system and way of life, with regime change the only possible solution? Was the objective just to reduce the trade deficit? Or should he just use China as a convenient punching bag for the purpose of winning illusory battles and picking up domestic political support? The answer seemed to change from day to day.
The two most critical questions in the relationship are as follows:
- Can China’s legitimate concerns about sovereignty be accommodated without endangering the interests of its neighbors?
- Can America keep a strong enough position on tech issues to remain secure?
I will address these issues, and more, in my annual China series during the week of Chinese New Year.