After G20 in London:
China wary of ‘G2’ with US
CHINA: A week after some saw the advent of a new world order at the
G20 in London, the idea of a “G2” that would put the United States and
China at the head of international affairs is gathering momentum.
But analysts say the concept of “Chimerica,” meant to reflect a new
geostrategic situation created by China’s unprecedented rise in power,
is neither realistic nor likely to appeal to Beijing.
First raised in US academic circles in 2006, the idea was floated
again by former US national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski in
Beijing in January as the two nations celebrated 30 years of diplomatic
ties.
The concept has attracted a lot of interest from Chinese researchers
and columnists, particularly since the G20 meeting last week.
Brzezinski, who was also an adviser to Barack Obama during his
electoral campaign, suggested an “informal G2” for discussions “not just
about bilateral relationships, but about the world in general.”
In his meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in London, Obama took
a step in that direction, agreeing to “strengthen ties at all levels”
with Beijing.
The two also launched a fresh strategic dialogue to be held each year
that would cover issues as varied as the economy, the environment, and
relations with Iran, Sudan and Zimbabwe.
The concept of the G2 “is supported by those in the United States who
are favourable to a strategy of cooperation with Beijing, in contrast to
the neoconservatives’ view of the ‘Chinese threat,” said Valerie Niquet,
director of Paris-based research organisation Centre Asie Ifri.
This strategy is tempting at a time when the G8 is regarded by some
as obsolete and the G20 is seen as too diluted to be able to respond to
global challenges.
Meanwhile the financial crisis has highlighted the interdependence of
the world’s number one and three economies, while the battle against
climate change has shown that the two biggest emitters of greenhouse
gases must work together.
Beijing, Tuesday, AFP |