Eurasia Group, which released the top then risks of the year 2010 sites U.S. China hostility as the number one risk for this year. The mains reasons are the U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, meeting with Dalai Lama and the growing economic disputes and the protectionism in the United States. The think tank warned that this year the trade disputes will further deteriorate the relations between U.S. and China making it the largest geopolitical risk of the 2010.
JF Daily's evening news reporter Wang Xingdong writes "trees prefer calm, but the wind will not subside." The problem is not one or the other president. In fact both are trying to avoid any big issues. The problem is expectations. For example, U.S. wants China to take more international leadership on certain issues. However, the recent Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen showed that China does not have much interest in those issues.
Last year in November, Obama conducted a successful state visit in China. The two sides issued a joint statement. The U.S. president even found time to tour the Forbidden City. He, thus, showed a sign of appreciation and respect toward the Chinese splendid culture.
Nevertheless, there are still gaps on certain issues between the position of China and the United States. The main issues are the arms sale to Taiwan, Dalai Lama and the fact that the United States frequently resorts to trade protectionism against Chinese goods.
According to UPI, the U.S. president Barack Obama is expected to approve the arms sale to Taiwan and meet with Dalai Lama. If these issues become reality, they are undoubtedly a challenge to China's core interests. Chinese main news agency Xinhua has quoted the country's foreign minister Jiang Yu as saying Chinese government is firmly against any foreign leader's contacts with the Tibetan spiritual leader.
In regard to the arms sale to Taiwan, Jiang said "We urge the US to clearly recognize the severe consequences of arms sales to Taiwan and adhere to the three Sino-US joint communiques, especially the principles established in the Joint Communique on August 17, 1982."
On a positive side it seems that China and Taiwan are making some headways in relations. Xinhua reports that the mainland the Taiwan will add 88 cross-strait flights ahead of the Chinese Lunar Year spring festival to better accommodate the travel needs of the Chinese and Taiwanese travelers. There are ongoing talks between the mainland and Taiwan and the public supports them.
Another area for growing deterioration in Sino-U.S. relations is the expectation that in 2010 US trade protectionist measures will be increased. Since last September the U.S. has imposed safeguard tariffs on tires being exported from China. The country exports many goods and a variety of commodities to USA including steel, which Eurasia Group says may be a base for another types of protectionist measures.
The two leaders of both countries hope for the relations to improve. However, the above-mentioned issues make the Sino-U.S. relations very vulnerable and the number one geopolitical risk in 2010. The solution is that the both sides should firmly oppose and resist trade protectionism. Both sides should instead focuse on moves and measures that will safeguard the healthy development of relations between the two super powers.
This small planet cannot bear a conflict between U.S. and China.
Written by Armen Hareyan
HULIQ.com
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
