Pragmatism may temper turbulent US-China ties: Panel

Keeping communication channels open and avoiding conflict is key, experts say

- Kok Yufeng

The relationship between the US and China will remain rocky over the next five to 10 years, marked by continued tension and turbulence with modest gains possible in ongoing trade talks, observers said during a panel discussion on Oct 9 at the annual Asia Future Summit.

While there is some optimism that the relationship between the two superpowers could stabilise, the experts said keeping communication channels open and avoiding conflict is key, with Taiwan a sticking point that could derail relations.

Mr Ashok Mirpuri, head of international policy and governance at Singapore investment company Temasek, was generally positive about the trajectory of US-China ties.

“Both sides understand the risks that a very significant conflict between them will be terrible for all of us,” said Mr Mirpuri, who was Singapore’s ambassador to the US from 2012 to 2023.

The Asia Future Summit held at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore hotel is a thought leadership conference jointly presented by SPH Media flagship titles The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao and The Business Times, with OCBC as the presenting sponsor.

Dr Wu Xinbo, dean of the Institute of International Studies and director at the Centre for American Studies at Fudan University, believes the US will continue to do whatever it takes to try to contain and suppress China.

But as China continues to make progress in technology and grow its economy, the US may begin to see the limits of its China policy and rethink its approach, he said.

The US may also realise that it needs to cooperate with China on many issues, such as the supply of rare earth materials that are critical to a range of industrial and technological applications, as well as the purchase of US-made products, such as aircraft and soya beans.