The verbal exchanges between China and the West keep getting more acrimonious on an ever-broadening range of issues. From regional conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to geopolitical hot spots such as the South China Sea, there seems to be increasingly fewer points where their perspectives align.
More concerning is the less talked about yet fast-growing likelihood of their mutual ill-feeling translating into self-fulfilling prophecies. The end result could be a full-fledged new Cold War, which both parties have so far vowed to avoid. There have been plenty of signs that relations are on such a dangerous trajectory — with the latest agreements regarding China between the United States and the European Union, as well as the US and the United Kingdom, painting a gloomy overall picture of future China-West relations. Yet without substantive changes in the West's fundamental perception of China, it seems there is little hope of any change of trajectory.
For foreign policymakers in Beijing, therefore, the foremost challenge is how to drive home their message to an increasingly skeptical Western audience that China's modernization is not a threat. For those in Washington, London and Brussels, it is how not to ruin otherwise repairable ties by misreading Chinese intentions. The present pattern of verbal tit-for-tat is not conducive to either of those aims.
So while it was good to hear US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and European External Action Service Secretary General Stefano Sannino underscore at the US-EU Dialogue on China and the sixth meeting of the US-EU High-Level Consultations on the "Indo-Pacific", held on Sept 9 and 10, the importance of keeping "open channels of communication" with China, it is equally important such communication be free of bias and stereotyping.
The shared concerns expressed by the US deputy secretary of state and EEAS secretary general in their joint statement about alleged Chinese wrongdoings, from "support for Russia's defense industrial base" to "dangerous and destabilizing actions in the South China Sea", and the sharp counter statement by the Chinese Embassy in the UK, only serve to highlight the extent to which the West's complaints regarding China are the codifying of perfunctory demonization rather than grievances of genuine cause.
While the US-UK statement upbraided Beijing for allegedly compromising the "rules-based international order" and threatening regional peace and stability, the Chinese embassy spokesman lambasted them for interfering in China's internal affairs and misrepresenting the facts.
The Taiwan question, as the Chinese spokesman has said, is strictly an internal matter. The greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait comes from separatist movements advocating for "Taiwan independence" and the interference of external forces.
And as Beijing has reiterated on numerous occasions, China has indisputable territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, and its routine patrols and law enforcement activities within these waters are consistent with international law.
Regarding the conflict in Ukraine, China holds an objective and fair stance, and the US' allegations that China supports Russia's defense industry are simply disinformation.
If they really want to safeguard world peace and stability, the US and its allies should discard their zero-sum Cold War mentality and view China's development objectively.
The US and its allies should not speculate about China based on their own historical choices, nor should they peddle the lie that China seeks to oust the US as the hegemon. Beijing has made it unequivocally clear that it hopes to work with all countries including the US to build a community with a shared future.
That China and the US both cited international law and the UN Charter shows where they can find firm footing to enter into more meaningful engagement. Talking openly and honestly to share, learn and respond is integral if the two sides are to forge meaningful bonds that can withstand the unpredictable vicissitudes of fortune. The US and its allies should adjust their mindset and approach China not as an adversary, but as a partner in addressing global challenges.
