War can be a last resort, but official or public diplomacy should play a role before reaching that. America may not be interested in understanding China, but it should be keen on being understood by China. Here, the U.S. may have to face some issues. Donald Bishop recently noticed the role of public diplomacy in […]
Twists and Setbacks in Traditional China’s Understanding of the World
“We are publishing the English translation, with the Chinese original version below, of a speech Professor Ge gave at Kyoto University in Japan last week. Professor Ge is considered the most critical historian of Chinese thought. The speech concentrates on Ge’s recurring theme, China’s world vision. In this case, it’s about the occasions to change […]
Now or 25 Years Ago? A Better China War
The US may have better political conditions for a battle against Beijing than 25 years ago. They may be more important than the Chinese military progress. But it’s very subtle. President Donald Trump engaged in a battle with Congress, which led to the risk of a government shutdown in the United States. As we write, […]
Europe-China, Matters of Sense and Sensibility
This year, 2024, may mark a significant shift in the relationship between the European Union (EU) and China. The February 2022 shock of China’s support for Russia against Ukraine was compounded by the potentially even greater shock of China’s stance on Israel and its support for Iran in the Middle East. This has created a […]
Post-Syria New Domino Effect to China
A decade after the Syrian Jasmine Revolution’s unsuccessful struggle against Assad, the same revolutionaries defeated him in a week. What made the difference? Previously, Russian and Iranian military support propped up the regime. Now, those old allies are preoccupied elsewhere, depleted of their forces, and unable to provide the blood transfusions that once kept the […]
Martial Complication from South Korea
The martial law in South Korea, proclaimed and then quickly withdrawn by President Yoon Suk Yeol, has opened a new chapter for China with ramifications for Russia and the Middle East. Over the weekend, Yoon could be forced to step down. The constitution requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority for such a move, and the opposition […]
Sketches for a US-China Strategy
President Donald Trump promised to end wars, not start them. Yet, he has announced what could become one of the most disruptive trade wars in history, shaking the foundations of global commerce. He stated he would impose sweeping tariff hikes—up to 60%—against imports from China, the nation he views as a strategic adversary, and 10% […]