June, 20, 2023
By Prof. Samitha Hettige
Trend setter diplomat Henry Kissinger turned 100 last week. He was the top diplomat of the USA & the force behind establishing relations with the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) during Nixon administration (early 1970s). He is considered a lifelong contributor to China US friendship backed by his knowledge on capitalism & communism. Kissinger recently stated that "the fate of humanity depends on whether the US & China can get along." He believes that the world is in the classic pre WWI situation, where neither has much margin of political concession & in which any disturbance of the equilibrium can lead to catastrophic consequences." This indeed is a serious warning to all who take sides at this time of history.
Blinken in Beijing
Secretary Antony Blinken of US was in Beijing to have talks with Chinese leaders. Among them were President Xi Jinping, CPC central committee member Wang Yi & foreign minister Qin Gang. The positive view of analysts of the capacity of Blinken was proved by his statement on the “open line on communication for conflict prevention” while in Sweden. It supports the base of the three principles for China USA relations proposed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping in 2021. As per Chinese sources the three principles are;
China & USA should; respect each other's social systems & development paths. They should respect each other's core interests (including Taiwan), major concerns & the right to development. They should treat each other as equals & seek common ground while reserving differences.
Both sides shouldn’t hold to conflict or confrontations & work for "peaceful coexistence" as conflict between the two would be unbearable to the world.
China USA interests are deeply intertwined. Both should stand to gain from cooperation to develop individually & collectively. Choosing mutual benefit over zero-sum is the best.
US exports to China in 2023 has supported more than 1 million jobs in USA (Ref Chinese sources). In addition bilateral relations in energy, defense, law enforcement, education, science, cyberspace, & environmental protection also plays a key role in peaceful coexistence. With the new developments global players should work with USA to help it re think its three “C” s approach (competition, collaboration & confrontation).
What’s in it for SL?
In the new ear Indo pacific is being discussed. Communism which was more discussed during WWI & Russian revolution prevailed in China & North Korea. While North Korea seems voluntarily isolated, China moves with the world with a unique combined approach of capitalism & communism. As in the case of Kissinger, individuals knowledgeable on capitalism & communism helped SL to prevail in difficult times. The world learned from them. Late Esmond Wickremasinghe was one such. His knowledge on communism is praised & practice on capitalism was a proven success. He was one of the first to be invited by paramount leader Deng Xiaoping when Sri Lanka took the historic economic turn in 1977. Leaders of Deng’s caliber could see centuries ahead (Russia’s Gorbechove didn’t listen to Deng & failed). Indian & Pacific oceans should be at peace with the new understanding of Blinken in Beijing. SL also can create more than 200,000 jobs with the Port City etc. along the Belt & Road (China’s global trade net). Its time SL take a combined capitalist communist path to discipline the population to protect the rights of the silent majority & come out of the crisis. President RW is expected to visit China & India in the coming weeks. Visiting the two friends within a short gap is a lesson for future leaders. Sri Lankan fathers should educate their children to be preconditioned to get the aim without crossing the red line. It will be the best Fathers’ Day gift.
(Views expressed are personal)
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