In a recent discussion with Foreign Policy, Fareed Zakaria, host of CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS, challenged the United States' increasingly confrontational approach toward the Chinese mainland. Zakaria highlighted that China is driven by a desire for peace, stability, and global integration, asserting that it has no intention of undermining the existing international system.
Zakaria criticized U.S. policies, such as the chip ban, for their overly aggressive nature. He suggested that a more cooperative approach could lead to different, more positive outcomes. Reflecting on former President Trump's reelection in 2016, Zakaria noted that it signaled a shift in the Republican Party towards a populist, \"America First\" ideology, which he believes has replaced traditional Republican values.
The host emphasized that China's development has thrived in an environment of peace and globalization. He pointed out that anti-China rhetoric and actions have been counterproductive, serving as a cautionary tale for both political parties in the U.S. Zakaria argued that Democrats, since the Vietnam War, have often avoided appearing weak to the right, leading to misguided decisions that now affect U.S. policy toward the Chinese mainland.
Zakaria expressed skepticism about whether senior U.S. officials genuinely support the current hardline stance on China. Referencing the 2021 high-level U.S.-China strategic dialogue in Anchorage, Alaska, he remarked that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken appeared to follow a rigid human rights script when speaking with China's foreign minister. Zakaria suggested that the dialogue was more performative than substantive, as evidenced by the lack of meaningful action in the subsequent four years.
He also highlighted the importance of BRICS countries, noting that they represent significant global shifts and dissatisfaction with the current international order dominated by the U.S. and its Western allies. Zakaria urged the U.S. to pay close attention to these developments, as BRICS nations are growing more determined to reshape global dynamics.
In summarizing the global landscape, Zakaria pointed out that China is strategically accumulating strength and building relationships, gradually positioning itself to become the dominant force in East Asia. He stressed the need for the U.S. to reconsider its approach to China to navigate this changing geopolitical environment effectively.
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CNN host challenges U.S.'s confrontational approach to China
cgtn.com
