Taking Harder Stance Toward China, Obama Lines Up Allies

Concerned that China prefers contention over cooperation, the US is organizing alliances with other nations in the region and from afar, reports the New York Times. Intended as a “united front,” the allies will attempt to counter China on a currency kept artificially low, territorial claims in the South China Sea, refusal to ship rare-earth minerals and other trade matters. A lack of trust between the world's two largest economies hampers cooperation on major global challenges that no nation can solve alone, including climate change, nuclear nonproliferation and global trade, report Mark Landler and Sewell Chan. The US and China have strong economic ties; both share a desire for strong growth and job creation. For the US, China and their allies, the most favorable outcome is for the two nations to avoid minor squabbles and instead focus on global priorities. – YaleGlobal