Asking China to Act Like the US

US leaders show little understanding as to why China balks at acting against its own national interests on democracy, currency, trade surpluses, climate change and many other issues, notes Helene Cooper for the New York Times. Complete acquiescence from China on US policies would serve American interests, not necessarily China’s or the world’s. Cooper focuses on the two nations’ responses to North Korea’s nuclear buildup and deadly aggression against its southern neighbor. China supplies the North with energy and food, and is in no hurry for the emergence of a unified Korea friendly with the US. In pressing their worldview, US diplomats and analysts too often ignore process, deep-rooted causes of global problems, and the shortcomings of US security and financial policies. Hectoring only delays response from China. China and the US share plenty of common interests on North Korea and other issues. Cooperation, mutual respect and pragmatic diplomacy would benefit both nations. – YaleGlobal