Ambassador Nicholas Burns offers insights into the current state of US-China relations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining communication channels despite significant disagreements. He notes progress in establishing cabinet-level connections but stresses the ongoing structural competition between the two nations.
Burns underscores the U.S.'s consistent adherence to the One-China policy since the Nixon administration, highlighting the policy's success in maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait despite increased Chinese military activity. He emphasizes the importance of diplomacy in this complex situation.
Ambassador Burns addresses the fentanyl crisis, stating that the majority of precursor chemicals originate from illicit Chinese firms, not the government. He notes progress in law enforcement cooperation and China's recent listing of three precursor chemicals as export-prohibited, but also highlights the need for further action from the Chinese government.
Burns acknowledges the shift in US policy toward China from partnership to competition. He explains this shift by citing China's more aggressive behavior in the region, unfair economic practices (forced technology transfer, intellectual property theft), and human rights violations.
Ambassador Burns notes that while the U.S. is committed to a competitive framework, cooperation remains important where mutual interests align, mentioning climate change and global public health as areas where collaboration is possible.
He rejects claims of US hypocrisy concerning China's violations of international norms. He highlights that the U.S. has consistently championed the global liberal order and argues that the two countries aren't equivalent.
Ambassador Burns suggests that the competitive nature of the US-China relationship will continue for years. The goal is to manage competition responsibly, avoid conflict while defending national interests and promoting human rights.
Burns clarifies that export controls on semiconductors are necessary to prevent Chinese military advantage but insists that the U.S. does not aim to decouple from the Chinese economy due to the significance of US-China trade.
Finally, Burns explains that although the U.S. is committed to climate change goals, import protections against unfairly subsidized Chinese electric vehicles are necessary to safeguard American manufacturing jobs and prevent total reliance on a single source for green technologies.