NEW YORK: Bold, forward-thinking initiatives are necessary to rejuvenate the strained U.S.-China relationship, a prominent international relations expert has said, underscoring the global significance of the bilateral ties. Sarwar Kashmeri, host of Polaris-Live.com, an online platform focused on enhancing U.S.-China relations, described the relationship as “the most consequential” in the world, highlighting that together, China and the United States constitute approximately 43 percent of the global economy.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Kashmeri made these remarks during an interview coinciding with the release of his Telegram IV on U.S.-China relations. This special edition is part of an annual series that compiles actionable recommendations for improving bilateral ties, based on Kashmeri’s discussions with global experts on his Polaris-Live platform. As a fellow at the New York City-based Foreign Policy Association, Kashmeri emphasized the critical nature of the U.S.-China relationship and urged both nations to adopt bold and innovative approaches to foster cooperation.
Kashmeri expressed confidence that with appropriate high-level initiatives and effective communication channels, the narrative between the two nations could shift from confrontation to collaboration. He stressed the importance of patience and bold thinking, believing that sensible conclusions could be reached by pragmatic individuals on both sides. One of his key proposals for revitalizing the relationship is to enhance people-to-people exchanges, drawing parallels to then-U.S. President Richard Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972.
Highlighting a recent announcement by Chinese President Xi Jinping to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over five years, Kashmeri encouraged the United States to reciprocate by welcoming more Chinese students and scholars. “We need to get more Americans studying in China and more Chinese students coming to the U.S.,” he said, emphasizing that fostering mutual understanding and personal connections could significantly benefit the bilateral relationship.
Additionally, Kashmeri commended the successes of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), noting that despite challenges often faced by large multinational projects, China and its BRI partners have effectively navigated obstacles, marking a significant achievement. Since its proposal by Xi in 2013, the BRI has seen participation from over 150 countries and 30 international organizations, spanning regions such as Eurasia, Africa, and Latin America.
Kashmeri expressed his intention to visit successful BRI projects, such as the Chancay Port in Peru, to understand how China and its partners have managed to overcome potential issues. He praised the cooperative efforts as a major advantage, noting that effective problem-solving in multinational projects is a commendable feat.