On November 15, the leaders of the Chinese mainland and the United States convened for their first meeting of the year, marking a significant moment in bilateral relations. The summit resulted in numerous agreements, raising questions about the future trajectory of China-U.S. ties.
Renewed Military Communication
Zhou Bo, a retired senior Colonel of the People’s Liberation Army, shared his insights on the resumed military-to-military communication between the two nations. According to Zhou, the establishment of dialogues and talks at the regional command level represents a blend of the old and the new. \"This kind of direct talk at the regional command level would be most efficient,\" Zhou explains, emphasizing the importance of swift decision-making in times of crisis.
Is It a New Cold War?
The debate over whether the current dynamics signal a \"new Cold War\" remains unsettled. Zhou suggests that the true measure lies in the avoidance of a hot war. Reflecting on the original Cold War, he notes that despite the constant threat of mutually assured destruction, active conflict was ultimately avoided through joint efforts. \"We don't know yet if we've entered a 'new Cold War' because it depends on whether we can prevent conflicts or wars,\" Zhou states.
Collaborative Potential in the Middle East
Despite tensions, Zhou sees opportunities for China and the U.S. to collaborate on Middle East issues. He points to shared interests such as the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine and preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power. \"China and the United States could actually work together there because we have common subjects to discuss,\" Zhou argues. He believes that returning to basic common sense, like recognizing the Palestinians' right to a homeland, is crucial for resolving long-standing conflicts.
The summit's outcomes suggest a cautious optimism for China-U.S. relations, balancing strategic competition with areas of potential cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
