GOOD MORNING FROM LONDON #193
Mao Tsetug wrote in 1947 about how rivalry embraces two opposed phenomena; co-operation + confrontation. In 1956 he wrote about Contradictions + the Momentum of Development. His words apply in any examination of the rise of China + the decline of the US. Sometimes they fight + sometimes they talk. Peace is not permanent + war is not permanent.
So there is conflict over Taiwan, Xinjiang and S China Sea but there is a partnership over climate change. Kerry’s visit to Beijing underlines that there are times when both sides have more to gain from cooperation than conflict. A rare moment of collaboration in a strained relationship.
But there are “buts”. China’s suggestion at Anchorage that the two countries set up a dedicated working group on climate change was not taken up. The US does not feel it can show such cooperation. A Cold War mentality persists in Washington.
