Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Consultant, Advisor, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).
Despite the US declared policy of Counter China, Contain China and Resist rise of China, there is a strong realization on the importance of China and it is well conceived that the World, without China is no hope. The serious scholars, thinkers, politicians and policy makers conceived the vitality of China in the geopolitics and give due weightage. China has asserted itself in a positive manner and deeply involved in international affairs. It positivism and constructed role in geopolitics is well conceived. It has emerged a significant contributor to Global peace, security, developments, and prosperity.
In a recent diplomatic meeting held in Bangkok, China's esteemed diplomat, Wang Yi, emphasized the importance of fostering a relationship between China and the United States (US) built on equality, mutual respect, and understanding. The talks, conducted from Friday to Saturday, involved Wang Yi and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, exploring avenues for cooperation and addressing key issues.
Wang Yi, a distinguished member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, urged both nations to move away from a condescending attitude and embrace a stance of treating each other as equals. He stressed the importance of seeking common ground, rather than accentuating differences, and earnestly respecting, rather than undermining, each other's core interests.
One of the key points discussed during the talks was the principle of "one-China" and the commitment outlined in the three China-US joint communiques. Moreover, Wang Yi reiterated the necessity for the United States to abide by these principles and actively put into action its commitment not to support "Taiwan independence." Furthermore, he emphasized China's pursuit of peaceful reunification and urged the United States to support this endeavor.
China and the United States should treat each other as equals rather than take a condescending attitude, seek common ground rather than accentuate differences, and earnestly respect rather than undermine each other's core interests, China's senior diplomat Wang Yi has stated. This sentiment aligns with the broader narrative of building positive and cooperative relations between the two nations.
These high-level discussions between China and the United States reflect a commitment to diplomatic engagement and the resolution of differences through dialogue. Top US and Chinese officials concluded two days of talks in Bangkok, aiming to enhance their relationship and address shared concerns. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaged in discussions for more than 12 hours, building on the agreement reached during the Biden-Xi summit in November.
While the two sides committed to continuing communication and exploring additional channels, the US fell short in persuading China to use its economic influence with Iran to curb Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The issue remains a point of contention between the two powers. The senior US official highlighted the importance of Beijing leveraging its substantial influence over Iran, given its significant purchases of Iranian oil. The US sought China's assistance in persuading Houthi in Yemen to cease their attacks on ships. Despite China stating that it raised concerns with Iranian counterparts, the US awaits tangible results before assessing the effectiveness of China's intervention.
Beyond the Red Sea issue, Sullivan and Wang announced the launch of a US-China counternarcotic working group and discussed plans for talks on the risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence in the spring. The officials also acknowledged recent progress in resuming military-to-military communications. The US framed these renewed communications as a crucial means to manage competition and tensions responsibly, especially concerning Taiwan.
Amid rising tensions, Sullivan reiterated the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, while Wang emphasized that the Taiwan question is China's internal affair. The recent election in Taiwan, which saw Vice President Lai Ching-te becoming the island's new leader, was labeled by China as a challenge to peace and stability. Taiwan reported 33 Chinese military aircraft detected around the island, marking the most significant presence since Lai's election.
The talks reflect ongoing challenges in the US-China relationship, with both cooperation and competition in focus. The inability to secure Chinese cooperation on the Red Sea issue underscores the complexity of navigating shared interests amid strategic differences.
It is hoped that China and the US will join hands in maintaining global security, developments and prosperity. The immediate task ahead is stopping genocide in Gaza. China’s stance on Gaza is very clear and support the UN resolutions to establish a sovereign state of Palestine from river to sea, without any influence from Israel. On ceasefire, the US need to cooperate with the rest of entire world. Save human lives in Gaza!
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)