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In my view, @martinwolf_ underestimates the systemic challenge the Chinese regime is presenting, and he ignores its aggressive behavior in its neighborhood which is based on autocratic principles. But his criticism of current U.S. approaches is valuable. ft.com/content/52b719…
The U.S. should frame its China policy as an attempt to push the regime to play by the rules, especially reciprocity and fairness in trade. But it should do this not in the name of U.S. special interests, but in the name of broader principles.
And as important, it should do it as leader of a broad-based coalition of countries that want to uphold the free and open international order. To approach China on the basis of bilateral wrestling for primacy is misguided and dangerous, as it gives China plenty of opportunities.
Forcing the Chinese regime to act against its autocratic instincts, in the economic sphere and in the international space, is something that can only be done if there is a broad-based coalition of like-minded countries who operate on the basis of universalist principles.
Building such a coalition should be the primary aim of the White House. But that requires the readiness to listen to others, to convince, to develop a strategy that works for everybody, not just for America.
There is momentum and demand for such an inclusive strategy, as Europe and of course Asia are well aware of the threat a powerful Chinese autocratic regime presents to the free and open international order. An opportunity for the next U.S. president.
