Necessary alignment

ASEAN countries will be closely observing the US-China relationship since they have benefitted from good ties between both countries

- TRIDIVESH SINGH MAINI

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while speaking at a symposium, stated: "We hope that the new US administration will make the right choices, meet China halfway, cease all interference, overcome obstacles, strive to enhance Sino-US relations, and achieve stable, healthy, and sustainable development." He also highlighted the fact that global instability and uncertainty are likely to rise, but China would play an important role in ensuring peace and preventing geopolitical turmoil.

Wang Yi's remarks came in response to incoming US President Donald Trump's statements, where the latter expressed hope that Beijing and Washington could work jointly to resolve global issues. Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping and stated that the Washington-Beijing relationship had witnessed a downturn after the COVID-19 pandemic. Ties between the US and China had begun to deteriorate after the imposition of tariffs by Trump. COVID-19 further exacerbated the tensions between Washington and Beijing. It is not just economic ties, but people-to-people linkages have also been impacted due to the downturn in relations.

Joe Biden, who succeeded Trump in 2021, essentially continued Trump's approach vis-à-vis China. However, despite the strains between both countries, he understood the importance of diplomatic engagement with Beijing. Biden also reiterated that "competition" should not turn into "conflict" and recognized the need for Beijing and Washington to collaborate on global issues—especially in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war.