BEIJING—Discussions at the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum highlighted the potential for cooperative rather than confrontational relations between China and the United States, focusing on partnership in global development rather than rivalry.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the forum, which took place from September 12 to 14, featured a mix of global speakers, including notable American participants, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. The dialogue was marked by discussions on U.S.-China relations, development cooperation with the Global South, and responses to Western-dominated global structures. Unlike the confrontational tone often echoed in Washington D.C., the Beijing gathering presented a narrative of cooperation and mutual respect.
Rick Waters, a former senior China policy official at the U.S. State Department, represented American perspectives at the forum. He articulated a view of the U.S.-China relationship as competitive yet not inherently antagonistic, contrasting with more aggressive stances typically heard from U.S. leadership. In response, Wu Xinbo, a professor at Fudan University, argued that U.S. policy often treats China as a rival, challenging the U.S. to align its actions with its articulated policies, particularly regarding the sensitive issue of Taiwan.
The discussions also delved into the ideology underlying international relations, critiquing the West’s rules-based order as a zero-sum game that inhibits cooperative development. The speakers argued that this mindset overlooks the dynamic and creative potential of global interactions, which can and should be geared towards mutual growth rather than containment and conflict.
Further insights were offered on the long-term impacts of such policies. Historical shifts in economic and trade policies were highlighted, illustrating China’s growth from minimal international trade to a major global economic force, underscoring its role in global poverty reduction and economic development. This transformation challenges the narrative of China as a threat to the established order, suggesting instead a model of development that other nations might learn from.
The forum’s broader message was clear: the Global South demands new approaches to economic development that transcend traditional power dynamics, aiming for a truly multipolar world. This perspective was reinforced by calls from various international defense leaders for a new, equitable global economic system that fosters development and peace simultaneously.
In conclusion, the forum not only critiqued the prevailing geopolitical strategies but also offered a vision for a cooperative future in which China and the U.S. could potentially partner to foster global development, highlighting the need for an international order that embraces creative and dynamic growth over restrictive, competitive posturing.