1/ I had an opportunity last night to join the conference where Chinese State Councilor Wang Yi delivered this speech on U.S.-China relations. There are several ways in which his comments could be interpreted. Here’s my brief take: fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjdt_6…
2/ Wang Yi is capable of being quite acidic in his comments when he wants to signal displeasure. That was not the tone he chose for this presentation, even though he was quite sharp in certain spots.
3/ My sense is that his message was tailored to reach several different audiences. To a domestic Chinese audience, he played up themes of the national narrative - China isn't expansionist, is focused on its own development, is a steward of peace and stability on world stage...
4/ To an international audience, the message seemed to be that China remains reasonable and America is the source of problems. China's America policy is unchanged; Beijing is still willing to grow US-China relations with "goodwill and sincerity" and co-exist with the US...
5/ And to a US audience, the message seemed to be that China does not seek to confront America or attempt to replace it on the world stage. China doesn't seek to export its model. When the US returns to itself, China's door will be open and Beijing will be ready to talk...
6/ Wang’s speech felt like an effort to claim the principled position in US-China relationship. I didn't leave speech or ensuing discussion w/sense Beijing is signaling recalibration in approach to US-China relations or its foreign policy. I'd be delighted to be proven wrong. End
