The Hill News

Emerging strengthened from the global recession with greater international leverage, China’s actions and rhetoric have grown increasingly hostile and provocative. It has seriously risked overplaying its hand. It threatens to destabilize much of Asia, already wary of rapid Chinese growth, and undermine volatile bilateral relations with the U.S.  Such behavior can only fuel greater uncertainty in a fragile world struggling to recover from economic turbulence.   President Obama must firmly stand his ground when engaging China. Failure to do so will only embolden the Chinese to defy and strong-arm others. Caving in will only make the Asia-Pacific region, and wider world, a less safe place.

Ultimately, no one will tame China. It must tame itself, for its own interest and international stability. However, others cannot stand by idly. Collective influence must be exerted when necessary. On issues such as Iran and North Korea, China must not be diplomatically spar! ed when playing the odd-man out.

There is a fundamental need for continuous engagement, improving dialogue, avoiding animosity and developing greater collective initiatives. The U.S. must avert confrontation due to the catastrophic consequences for all.

Read more...