My editorial on China and the upcoming U.S. Election in We The People Dispatch.
“In terms of the upcoming U.S. election, I believe that it doesn’t really matter to the Chinese government who wins. Both outcomes are ultimately in China’s best interests because the most likely result is a continuation of a divided, rattled, and distracted America. Such an off-kilter, waffling, and emotional America presents China with more latitude to expand and extend its influence, and thereby solidify its security and stability. The continuation of the culture war, economic fragmentation, and political discord tearing America apart present China with a golden opportunity.” -Andrew Singer
I write about China and America because I am fascinated by the topic and to encourage better understanding and communication between our two countries. It is a topic of utmost importance, more so because we will never agree on most things. Regretfully and to our detriment, China is usually misunderstood and misrepresented in America.
A complex, multilayered stage that overflows with nuance is compressed into sound bites and shouted out scattershot. The media and politicians have convenient labels in the China sphere, one is China Hawks for those who promote confrontation with China and China Doves for those who want to engage with China. Both have evolved into code phrases that are mostly thrown around pejoratively to forestall debate and considered analysis of multiple viewpoints.
We are the news we consume. In the spirit of We The People’s mission “of providing accurate commentary on what is happening [at home and abroad],” let’s look at China and America. How can Americans better understand China, the Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese government, the Chinese people, the Chinese economy, Chinese culture, and Chinese society?
For starters, we can recognize that each of these is a distinct yet related subject that should not be superficially lumped together. This leads me quickly to my principal “Understanding China To-Do” -- When listening to, watching or reading a piece of news or reporting about China, take a moment to 1) consider the source and 2) realize that there is another side to the story.
Nothing in life is as straightforward as soundbite journalism and political theater make it seem. And China is a long-running show. China is a nation of more than one billion people. It is not a monolithic organism. Is everyone a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)? No, less than eight percent of China’s population are Party members and most are not in leadership or high governance. Does the CCP enjoy unfettered and absolute control of society? No, strikes and protests are frequent occurrences across China’s large landmass (in the tens of thousands annually) that capture and demand the attention and response of government at all levels.
On the flip side, are there those in China who want to dethrone America from its position atop a unipolar world? Yes. Does China possess a large and powerful, if untested, military, advanced infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology and manufacturing sectors that afford it greater global opportunity and leverage on land and sea, near and far? Absolutely. America faces a brave new world that is nothing less than terrifying in many corners.
Notwithstanding the above, the vast majority of people in China are just like you and me. They are concerned with the same day-to-day issues that we face in America: getting and keeping a job, preferably one they like; accessing and paying for education and medical care; saving for retirement; making mortgage and credit card payments; securing stable and secure housing with proper food; finding love; supporting family; being able to enjoy the benefits of a happy and satisfying life. In this, the citizens of the two countries are the same.
One of the biggest threats of soundbites and code words is the ease with which they dehumanize. We see this in the blue-red divide within America, and we see it with China. Considering the other side of the story brings humanity back into the conversation. It provides clarity, expands horizons, and allows for a more substantive appreciation of the world and our place in it.
Doing this will not result in a magical agreement and harmony between China and America. It never will. I do not think it can. Our governments and systems and viewpoints on philosophy and religion and society are too disparate. We react differently to similar stimuli. However, China demands this attention because the country has rapidly become America’s most powerful and consequential global peer.
China is a proud nation, a polity that wants and demands respect. China the government seeks flexibility and freedom to govern itself and its territory (a loaded term) without psychological, physical, economic, political or military influence or interference from anyone, most particularly from what they see as a sanctimonious West. Chinese security to China the government is a China able to live and operate as it sees fit. Again, in this, America and China are the same, and therein lies the conflict.
In terms of the upcoming U.S. election, I believe that it doesn’t really matter to the Chinese government who wins. Both outcomes are ultimately in China’s best interests because the most likely result is a continuation of a divided, rattled, and distracted America. Such an off-kilter, waffling, and emotional America presents China with more latitude to expand and extend its influence, and thereby solidify its security and stability. The continuation of the culture war, economic fragmentation, and political discord tearing America apart present China with a golden opportunity.
I know there is a counterargument. I have read the stories popping up of China-backed hackers breaking into American internet companies and of China allegedly using bots to try and sway the election. Whether such efforts are afoot or not (all countries spy), they would be designed to achieve the above endgame of America staying on its current course. I doubt that the attempts and actions of any outside actors will measurably move the outcome dial.
Once we pause to consider sources and the other side of the story, the next step is to check other sources. There are many knowledgeable and sophisticated individuals and organizations in America that provide in-depth and balanced programming on China and the U.S. There are also numerous news sites in Asia and elsewhere that share, explore, and dig deeper into more detailed, on-the-ground reflections, news, and opinions about what is actually taking place in China, what China is and is not. Here is a list of suggested reading.
Action: Recommended reading and additions to your personal Media Page
South China Morning Post -- Longtime, Hong Kong-based newspaper site for economics, politics, society, and opinion that offers local insight into China.
Victor Gonzalez posts excerpts from various English-language Asian news sources, including asia.nikkei.com, ft.com, and caixinglobal.com on LinkedIn -- Substantive excerpts from articles about China's economy and politics in these Japanese and Chinese news sources that are generally behind paywalls.
Robert Wu on China Translated -- Chinese entrepreneur, commentator, and writer who offers reasoned, other-side-of-the-story opinions on cross-cultural societies, politics, and economics.
Bill Bishop on Sinocism -- American commentator and writer who provides well-respected analysis and discussion of Chinese global affairs, politics, and economics.
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