The op-ed by Prof. Zhang Yun(Associate Professor of the National Niigata University, Japan;Research Fellow at the Center for Global Governance, PKU),commenting on the stability of China-U.S.Relations and the importance of“Strategic Understanding” was recently published on Lianhe Zaobao.Read the full article in Chinese: https://www.zaobao.com.sg/forum/views/story20240410-3348435
Prof. Zhang argues that the China-U.S.strategic dialogue established two decades ago is no longer suitable for the current era. The 2008 financial crisis marked a turning point, with the U.S.increasingly viewing the economic relationship with China as skewed in China’s favor. This shift has transformed the relationship from a foundation to a hindrance in bilateral ties. The concept of being a responsible stakeholder has seemingly been replaced by that of a major strategic competitor, indicating a fundamental shift in how the U.S. perceives its relationship with China.
Prof. Zhang highlights that stability in China-U.S.relations has evolved beyond mere intersections of interests to actively constructing points of strategic understanding. China’s leadership, notably President Xi Jinping, has emphasized the importance of ‘strategic understanding’ in recent discussions regarding China-U.S.relations. This suggests recognizing the need to explore new avenues for coexistence, indicating a critical juncture in the relationship’s trajectory.
Prof. Zhang suggests that the concept of ‘strategic understanding’ encompasses three key dimensions in major power relations, including that between China and the U.S. Firstly, it involves the fundamental framework for observing and analyzing international relations. Secondly, it pertains to the anticipated future trends and directions of the basic structure of international relations. Thirdly, it encompasses the mutual perceptions derived from the above two levels. These dimensions underscore the complexity and depth of the strategic perceptions that underp in major power interactions.
Prof. Zhang emphasizes the importance of recalibrating strategic perceptions in major power relations, particularly between China and the U.S. The shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world order requires a reassessment of traditional frameworks and understandings. This highlights the critical need for renewed strategic dialogue to construct new intersections of strategic understanding that reflect the current global reality.
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