Sunday's (Nov 15, 2009) Fareed Zakaria GPS had an interesting panel discussion. The general feeling (consensus?) was that everything Beijing does, from environmental talks to trade and everything in between, is decided based on one important question: "Is a conflict with the united States inevitable?" The impression was that many people in China, especially military and political hardliners, feel that the answer is a resounding "Yes!".
This was surprising to me since I have had the impression China would do nothing to mess up their "economic miracle".
Any thoughts?
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Is a US-China conflict inevitable?
01/24/2011 12:45 PM
#1
Is a US-China conflict inevitable?
I think President Obama realizes the importance of keeping a postivie alliance, economically, politically, and nuclear non-proliferation. Those were his goals for his trip and on meetings with top Chinese officials (ie PRC Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei.) DId he succeed? Well,his intentions were honorable, and I believe his mere presence was an offering of respect and humility.Time will tell.
I think that a conflict with China will not happen. President Obama showed a lot by making his first trip abroad as a standing president a trip to China. China also own to much of US debt to try and go to war with it. The size of the US and Chinese economies combined is to big to disrupt. There would be world chaos if the two countries went to war, and I think the power that be know this and understand how crucial these two countries are to the rest of the world. (i.e. Obama's trip to China) Unless something goes horribly wrong, I do doubt the US and China will go to war.