Washington and Beijing are not rivals due to any misunderstanding that can be sorted out through talks alone. Similarly, the East China and South China seas can be international waters or Chinese territory; Russia can be crippled or supported. Part of this management of the U.S.-China rivalry involves finding areas of agreement that can be committed to. But the Chinese Communist Party knows that doing so means self-liquidation — every communist regime that has allowed space for alternative political parties has unraveled. Instead, Xi calls for a massive military buildup, the reassertion of Chinese Communist Party control, and an economic policy based on self-reliance.

Source: Ethiopian News November 17, 2023 20:32 UTC