On Thursday, September 7, Jessica Chen Weiss, Director of the Levinson China and Asia-Pacific Studies (CAPS) program at Cornell University, joined a panel of distinguished experts, including Patricia M. Kim Matthew Turpin Joseph Nye for a conversation at The Brookings Institution.
Moderated by Demetri S., Financial Times U.S.-China Correspondent, the panel exchanged their views on key questions of the China challenge: Are the U.S. and China “destined” for Cold War-like rivalry, is this an accurate framing for the relationship and where does this analogy fall short, and the choices and trade-offs facing the U.S. and its global partners in managing long-term competition with China.
Jessica Chen Weiss argues that the two countries are not destined for a Cold War-like rivalry, but fatalistic thinking makes a cold — or even a hot — war more likely. Framing the U.S.-China relationship as a new Cold War is misleading and counterproductive. Such an approach overlooks the complex economic and technological interdependencies between the two countries and risks alienating other nations who don't want to choose sides.
Jessica suggests that rather than treating China as an ideological enemy, the U.S. should cultivate a peaceful and constructive — if also competitive — coexistence with China.
Jessica emphasizes the importance of diplomacy, economic interdependence, and a reformed international order that fosters constructive coexistence.
For further insights, you can watch this engaging conversation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkpgGM5Lkls&themeRefresh=1
Read Jessica Chen Weiss' recent article with Cornell PhD candidate Eun A Jo on this topic as part of the Brookings Institution Global China Cold War debate at https://www.brookings.edu/articles/should-the-us-pursue-a-new-cold-war-with-china/
