Dialogue with A.N.M. Muniruzzaman

• Source: Global Times
• [11:32 November 13 2009]
• Comments

A.N.M. Muniruzzaman, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies

Global Times: Barack Obama is the first US president to visit China in the first year of his term. High-level officials from both sides have interacted frequently in this year. Do you think it means that the US’ policy on China has changed? Is it Obama’s expedient measures due to the financial crisis?

Muniruzzaman: There has been no fundamental change in the US policy towards China. But what we consider and see is that the US understands the critical importance of the rise of China. It’s a necessity for the US to engage with China and deepen that engagement. That is why one of Obama’s first priorities during his first Asia visit includes the China visit. The Obama administration also understands that the very vital role of China in restoring global financial confidence and also getting out of the financial crisis that the world is going through. The economy of the US and the economy of the People’s Republic of China are very closely intertwined. So, one cannot live without the other. Therefore, it is important for the Obama administration to engage deeply with China so that together they can find a solution and a way out of the financial crisis.