Conflicts between nations can arise for various reasons, including differences in political ideology, economic interests, territorial disputes, and cultural differences. The ongoing between the US and China may become a deeper open conflict.
Recently, China’s foreign minister said that the United States should change its ‘distorted’ attitude towards China or that ‘conflict and confrontation’ will follow. Chinese President Xi Jinping also condemned the US-led ‘suppression of China’.
He said this while giving a speech at the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held in Beijing on Monday (6/3/2023). “Western countries led by the United States have implemented all-round containment, encirclement and suppression of China, which has brought unprecedented severe challenges to our country’s development,” Xi said
Xi Jinping: China must have the courage to fight
Xi Jinping pushes for stronger China as the country faces complex dynamics both in the domestic and international landscape. He added that private firms should pursue high-quality development, referring to manufacturing capacity.
The ‘threats’ China refers to are quite complex, not only on security issues but also economic aspects. Western countries and China has been accused one another of arms supply in the Russia-Ukraine war, where China says the Ukraine crisis was driven by an ‘invisible hand’. China accused the US of using the Ukraine crisis to serve certain geopolitical agendas and stated that the Western cannot be an honest broker of the potential peace talks to reduce RU-UA war tension.
Not only that, the Taiwan issue has also been the core issue of the US-China relations that should not be crossed. Beijing has been claiming Taiwan as its own and threatening it with military and diplomatic pressure, especially since the first elected president Tsai came to power in 2016.
The United States knows that China is now on the alert and is sensitive about Taiwan. The United States has a longstanding relationship with Taiwan, dating back to World War II’s end.
While the US does not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state, it maintains unofficial diplomatic relations with Taiwan, including providing military support and assistance.
In recent years, tensions between China and Taiwan have increased, with China asserting its territorial claims over Taiwan and warning against any foreign interference. The US has expressed support for Taiwan’s democracy and has continued to provide military support and assistance to Taiwan in the face of Chinese pressure.
Visits by US officials to Taiwan can be seen as a signal of support for Taiwan’s democracy and independence, which may further escalate tensions between the US and China. However, such visits can also be seen as a way for the US to maintain its unofficial relations with Taiwan and show its commitment to supporting Taiwan’s security and stability.
China has also warned there will be a ‘Ukraine-style’ crisis in Asia, which may put more complexity and pressure on Asian countries and even the US.
More dialogues, avoid conflicts
Indo-Pacific could not afford any war. Effective conflict resolution often involves a combination of diplomatic efforts, such as negotiation and mediation, and the use of force, such as military action or economic sanctions.
China and the US need to engage in open communication and diplomacy to avoid conflict. This may involve building trust through dialogue, respecting each other’s sovereignty, and working towards common goals that benefit both nations. Both countries must also avoid using aggressive or threatening language that may escalate tensions.
It is also important for nations to have a strong understanding of each other’s perspectives and priorities. This may involve engaging in cultural exchange programs, economic partnerships, and other forms of cooperation that promote mutual understanding and respect.
