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2013: the 'year of match-ups'

By Jin Liangxiang: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, January 8, 2013

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[By Jiao Haiyang/China.org.cn]

Though some incumbent world leaders launched harsh criticisms against China during their election campaigns, this does not mean that they will deal with China with the same irresponsibility.

To curry votes, on the one hand, candidates have publicly stated hawkish points-of-view, in terms of the RMB exchange rate and their positions on China's island disputes. If these policy positions were to be actually carried out, they could have negative implications on China relations. On the other hand, for the sake of their own national interest, in the real world these leaders will most likely demonstrate restraint.

The U.S. strategy of resetting the balance, together with rising tensions over the disputes of islands in East and South China Seas, has greatly worsened the security situation in areas along China's borders. But it is unlikely that China and the U.S. will enter into military conflict. Favorable China-U.S. relations equally benefit both countries.

The U.S. is expected to restrain Japan and the Philippines in their determination to win territorial disputes not only to keep the peace but also to protect its own employment opportunities. China will be resolute in safeguarding its sovereignty of territories and territorial seas. But it also favors keeping the peace so it can continue its own domestic development.

However, any potential standoff between the Chinese and American leadership that could arise over territory disputes would not be long-lived. Obama, in his first term, learned about the significance of China-U.S. relations, and well understands how to deal with China. Xi Jinping is rather new on the international arena, but China's political system has assured that China's foreign policy has remained consistent.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/jinliangxiang.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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