Washington, D.C. — The relationship between the United States and China is as vast as it is complicated. On issues ranging from climate change to the Iranian nuclear crisis, it is becoming hard for U.S. or Chinese leaders to make headway alone. Since these two nations are so different from one another, however, it is also hard to make headway together. Last month, the Center for American Progress convened a group of mid-career U.S. and Chinese foreign policy experts in their 30s and 40s for a frank discussion about the issues that divide these two great nations. These experts all began their careers at a time when the diplomatic door was open and exchanges were allowed and encouraged. All are bilingual, and the conference discussions were held in a mix of English and Mandarin Chinese. The dialogues were honest and compelling, showing that the next generation of thought leaders recognizes the need for open communication about the pervasive suspicions that undermine cooperation from both sides of the Pacific.
Today, the Center is releasing a series of essay collections titled “Exploring the Frontiers of U.S.-China Cooperation,” which offers a detailed look at some of the issues debated in October’s meetings. The collections include essays from both U.S. and Chinese experts on topics ranging from clean energy collaboration and military engagement to fundamental differences in how U.S. and Chinese leaders perceive the global security environment.
“The essay collections and the meetings that inspired them really show that once you remove the barriers to frank and honest dialogue, U.S. and Chinese experts can have a constructive conversation about even the most sensitive issues regarding their relationships to each other and the world,” said Melanie Hart, CAP China Policy Director, organizer of the recent bilateral exchange, and editor of the essay compilation. “What is clear from both the track II dialogue and the essays is that while significant policy differences exist, there is an interest to find common ground, and this next generation of thought leaders has the tools and the desire to do that.”
The collection includes a summary, video, and work separated into three distinct issue areas:
For more information on this topic, contact Tom Caiazza at 202.481.7141 or [email protected].
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