Progress possible during Xi's upcoming visit to US
- By Sajjad Malik
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 14, 2015
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[By Zhai Haijun/China.org.cn] |
Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to make a state visit to the United States later this month, meeting President Barack Obama to discuss various important security, economic and political issues.
The visit will be an occasion to try and unravel the complications dogging bilateral ties – no easy job. Some of the issues are highly contentious and are unlikely to yield major progress. For example, differences over human rights or matters related to East China Sea or South China Sea cannot be sorted out in a single summit meeting. Both countries have their stated positions and there is no indication they are ready to modify them.
It does not mean such topics should be avoided. The two leaders should openly put any reservations and fears about each other on the table for discussion in a logical and reasoned way. Since the two countries follow totally different political ideologies, their policies and actions are bound to differ.
However, there are other matters relatively easier to handle because of shared interests and common responsibility, and it would be wise to focus on these. One such issue is climate change, posing a serious threat to everyone.
Being the two biggest emitters of atmospheric pollutants, it is their responsibility to help rid the world of this peril to humankind. The two presidents can lead the world towards a new climate change treaty at the United Nations' upcoming Paris talks, being held in December, for example.
Agreement on cutting emissions would mean that the two largest economies in the world can work together on pressing international problems despite many differences.
It is obvious there is a convergence of interest on climate change making a deal possible. Cooperation on this sector will give them confidence to replicate the experience in other fields.
