Summary of concepts presented by experts at Jan. 30 seminar hosted by the Charigo Center for International Economic Cooperation (CIEC)

Since the early 1970s the United States and China have exchanged teams of agricultural scientists to explore solutions to food security issues. Agriculture has been a part of the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement since 1979 and over 2100 U.S. scientists traveled to China to learn more about their technology with a near equal number of Chinese scientists also participating in the exchange. Sadly, this foundational agreement expired in August 2023 and is operating on just a 6-month extension.

China’s newscasters have historically portrayed the U.S. in a negative light, but there has been a subtle shift in coverage since the Xi-Biden Summit in November. This highlights the significance of in-person dialogue and the need to continue finding areas of cooperation, as both sides recognize that the current disruption of trade and downward spiral of violence in the Mideast is not a winning scenario for either side.

The way forward for China-U.S. relations involves a cognitive shift from guardrails — which are short-term in nature and designed to prevent the escalation of conflict — to boundaries, which are principled markers meant to fundamentally change perceptions and prevent the occurrence of conflicts in the first place.

Charlene Barshefsky, a former top U.S. official, discusses in the interview with China-US Focus the lengthy negotiation process for China's entry into the WTO and its lasting impacts on China's economy, global integration, and U.S.-China relations, despite current challenges in trade norms and geopolitical shifts. She also emphasizes the significance of international businesses having a presence in China and the considerations they need to evaluate when determining whether to expand to the Chinese market.

It is essential that China and the United States avoid a nuclear arms race. The recent stabilization of relations is a prerequisite for bilateral nuclear dialogue. Such a dialogue, in turn, will help maintain not only strategic stability but also healthy overall ties.

In 2024 and beyond, the two nations must strive to understand the other’s mindset. Concerted efforts will be needed to mitigate risks and enhance stability. Both should refrain from taking unilateral actions against the other worldwide based on perceptions of maritime security.

Resuming genuine cooperation is the first step for any party that wants to pursue a stable and healthy relationship in the long-run. China and the United States must continue to carry out the spirit enshrined in the so-called San Francisco Vision.

China and Russia’s maligned relationship looks on the surface to be a new axis of power against the U.S. - but by playing it safe, China seeks to reap the benefits of Russia’s favor without offending the West.

The U.S. administration under President Joe Biden crafted its approach in two phases. First, it considered China’s capabilities, and then it combined that capability with a presumed intent, believing that China’s intent is to alter the existing international system. That conclusion is built on a weak foundation.