China’s active participation in international institutions creates more chances to bring cooperation on key issues. Moreover, China now brings more resources and influence to the table. Beijing’s lead role in addressing the Korean nuclear crisis is one such example. American leaders should encourage the expansion of such cooperation to other security problems, in order to manage mutual threat perceptions and build trust on both sides. Such efforts will be critical to stabilizing a bilateral relationship most noted for its ups and downs.
For the next two decades, China’s primary focus will remain internal, on its numerous domestic problems. After all, the continued economic and political modernization of the world’s most populous country is no small task. China’s top political leaders have deemed the next 20 years a strategic opportunity to develop their country. But an opening exists for the international community as well, and U. S. policymakers should use it wisely, to address the challenges and opportunities created by China’s rise.
