Dialogue with Li Haidong
- Source: Global Times
- [10:54 November 16 2009]
- Comments
Global Times: Do you think Obama will stop selling weapons to Taiwan?
Li Haidong: For the US, the sale of arms to Taiwan is a domestic issue. Obama will respond according to the domestic changes in politics and competition among different political parties. With the growing trend of closer cross-Strait relations, any decision about arms sales to Taiwan made by the Obama administration will have a more symbolic meaning than practical significance.
Global Times: With the closing gap between China and US, will there be more strategic conflicts than cooperation? Do you think China and US can establish an effective mechanism to contain conflicts? In your view, what kind of China-US relationship fits the interests of India, Russia, Japan, S. Korea, European countries and Australia?
Li Haidong: The huge gap between China and US especially in terms of soft power still exists in China-US relations. With the smaller gap in power between two sides, the differences in bilateral values and political systems will be gradually highlighted. Because of their highly integrated economic ties, China and the US will launch more strategic cooperation and decrease strategic conflicts. A stable and pragmatic China-US relation is line with the interests of neighboring countries and the world.
Global Times: Many people are talking about a G2 between China and the US. What do you think of that? Would this be a good thing for the respective countries and the world?
Li Haidong: Compared with US’ comprehensive power, China is lagging behind. At China’s present stage of rapid development, a G2 will give China more international responsibilities which do not fit in terms of its national strength. The G2 has the characteristics of innovative ideas, but whether it can be put into practice needs long-term observation and exploration.
