The Pentagon signaled over the weekend that US aircraft carriers might participate in future joint drills in the Yellow Sea.
The words added to the already sizable distrust accumulated recently between China and the US. They also shattered the illusion of some Chinese over how the US treats China.
In a short period of time, the Sino- US relationship has ebbed quickly and seems to be still in a downward trend.
Various US politicians have expressed that the US does not see China as an enemy. However, words like these and recent actions by the US to contain China’s growth suggest otherwise.
The mindset of taking on China as an opponent and suppressing China’s rise remain firmly in place, even though such thinking may be temporarily sheltered by Washing-ton’s urgent short-term needs.
It seems as if the US is good at playing games. US politicians are sweet-mouthed but then stab you in the back when you are not looking. Many Chinese feel betrayed when new anti-China actions take place soon after top Washington officials assure China of the importance of strong bilateral relations.
This year the US is testing China’s resolve over issues ranging from China’s offshore ocean sovereignty, to the Chinese yuan, to trade. Each time it seriously damages the mutual trust previously built.
Is the US willing to build a true friendship with China and help it grow into a power in the East? China has no doubt over the good will of the US public, and is working hard to make that good will bare fruit.
Meanwhile, Chinese people have to be clear-minded that however China grows and acts to move forward the bilateral relationship, there will always be a few groups that will not change their anti-China attitude. Sovereign unity and the national resurgence are two missions China must accomplish.
The biggest obstacle to fulfilling those missions comes from the US, especially from the Pentagon.
When clashes are unavoidable, it is important to be realistic and take on the challenge directly.
Given the deeply interwoven relationship, it is in the interests of both countries to keep the disagreement from breaking off bilateral relations.
China should keep a better balance between not being so easily offended by US provocations and being unyielding in protecting its fundamental interests.
