Dialogue with Patrick deGategno

• Source: Global Times
• [11:18 November 13 2009]
• Comments

Global Times: What does the US’s putting more importance on China stand for?

DeGategno:  Obama's objective of elevating the partnership of US-China relations reflects a fundamental recognition among America's top leadership of China as an increasingly important global actor. At the same time, as far as diplomatic efforts are concerned the president has dramatically increased US diplomatic efforts across the world. China is given special significance because of its relative size, its global economic importance, and the unique relationship the US has developed with China over the years. The relationship with China is also fundamentally a work in progress though. There is still a great deal that needs to be done to build better military-to-military relations. Building and transitioning to a low-carbon sustainable economy in both countries will take concerted efforts to cooperate and build understanding between the two sides' energy and environmental policies and climate change mitigation efforts.

Global Times: What influence it will bring to China-India/ China-Russia/ China-Japan/ China-Australia/ China-South Korea/ China- Europe relations?

DeGategno:  The US focusing on China more so than in the past though, I don't think so. If anything, the president and his administration are very eager to make sure no country in Asia feels its relationship with the US is neglected. This effort is reflected in the length of the president's stay in each of the countries he will visit on his Asia trip this and next week. Though it is nobody's but my own individual opinion, I think the order of the countries which Obama plans to visit reflects an effort to reassure friends and allies of the US in Asia that America's relationship with China is one of many priority relationships.

Global Times: Will India/ Russia/ Japan/ South Korea/ Europe/ Australia adjust its foreign policy according to the development of the current Sino-US relationship? If so, what is the adjustment?

DeGategno:  There is no effort by the US to directly influence China's relations with any particular country. However, I hope that if our closer relationship with China affects other countries' relations with China, that these effects are positive and mean better, more constructive relationships between China and other countries will develop.