By Ryan McClure
If one word could summarize the United States’ relationship with China since the former’s pivot to Asia, it would be exploration. Global peace and regional security depend on healthy ties between Washington and Beijing, but both countries are still exploring the nature and extent of what these ties entail.
Following the Bush administration, which allowed Sino-U.S. ties to wither, the Obama administration has had to establish a base upon which a mutually valuable relationship could be built. Trust, understanding and cooperation are key to the establishment of any healthy foreign policy.
During a recent visit to Washington, Chinese Defense Minister General Chang Wanquan met with U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to address several endeavors that the United States and China will undertake to strengthen their relationship. While this visit did not fundamentally change Sino-U.S. relations, it demonstrates the commitment of both Pacific powers to establishing a peaceful and cooperative relationship. The visit also undermines the argument that the goal behind America’s pivot to Asia is Chinese containment.
Read the full story at The Diplomat