More than ever, the world needs China and the US to work together
Regardless of bilateral and geopolitical tensions, it can only be good for the leaders of the world’s two largest powers to clarify their positions. But candour needs to be backed up by concrete actions, not only in both nations’ interests, but also for the sake of the global balance of power and peace and stability
SCMP Editorial
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Published: 7:00am, 20 Mar, 2022
China asks G20 not to discuss Ukraine as stance faces growing scrutiny
US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their virtual meeting on Friday. Photo: Handout
US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their virtual meeting on Friday. Photo: Handout
The Russia-Ukraine war inevitably dominated Friday’s video call between President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden. It is, after all, the biggest disruption to global peace and the balance of power in decades. As the world’s two biggest economies, the US and China both have a lot at stake. Unfortunately, the war is far from the only divisive issue between them. Geopolitical tensions have prevented them from truly working together to bring about negotiations and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Sadly that remains the case after the two-hour virtual meeting. However, so long as Moscow and Kyiv cannot negotiate a ceasefire, it is essential the two major powers – one a strategic partner of Russia and the other a supporter of Kyiv – maintain their dialogue despite their differences. In that sense the video call served its purpose.
The Chinese side described it as “candid and in-depth”, meaning that despite sharp divisions, both sides understand the need to discuss them openly to avoid any misunderstanding.
China is particularly angry over Washington’s perceived lack of sincerity over issues core to its national interests – such as the status of Taiwan. Biden reiterated that the US does not seek a new cold war, or to change China’s system or revitalise alliances against it. He also stressed that the US does not support “Taiwan independence” or intend to seek a conflict with China.
To leave no doubt about the importance to China of these assurances, particularly on Taiwan, Xi said: “I take these remarks very seriously”. He stressed the need to keep differences “under control” and to build a steadily growing relationship.
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He also spelt out a clear stance on the war, saying China did not want to see the situation in Ukraine to come to this. It stood for peace and opposed war. China always remained free to judge the situation based on its own assessment, meaning opposition to US-led sanctions against Russia does not indicate support for Russia’s military actions but concern for the impact on the global economy. He called for the creation of an environment conducive to peace talks.
Regardless of bilateral and geopolitical tensions, it can only be good for the leaders of the world’s two largest powers to clarify their positions. Hopefully, this can help to reduce misunderstanding and miscalculation. But candour needs to be backed up by concrete actions, not only in both nations’ interests, but also for the sake of the global balance of power and peace and stability.
With no end to the pandemic or the war in sight, the world needs China and the US to work together more than ever. It will watch the outcome of promises from both leaders of concrete actions to narrow differences and seek a settlement of the Ukraine crisis.
SCMP Editorial
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Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.
Indonesia, which holds the G20 presidency, is relutanct to anger Russia but is also under pressure from the US. Photo: AFP
China has tried to move the war in Ukraine off the agenda of a major international summit as its public ambivalence over the Russian invasion threatens to damage its public image.
Chinese leaders and diplomats have been making concerted efforts over the past week, arguing that Ukraine should not be discussed at this year’s Group of 20 summit in Bali despite the gravity of the situation.
They argue that the G20 is a platform to address major economic problems plaguing the post-pandemic world and it should stick to its core mission and not be hijacked by the West’s agenda.
Opinion
Lucio Blanco Pitlo III
Why Philippines offered to open bases for US use if Ukraine war spreads to Asia
President Rodrigo Duterte welcoming US access to Philippine military facilities is a marked departure from his usual tirades against Manila’s treaty ally
Manila wants to procure Russian defence equipment and Duterte may be trying to temper opposition towards the deal, while calibrating ties with the US
Lucio Blanco Pitlo III
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Published: 5:00pm, 17 Mar, 2022
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