America Talks to China: Dialogue With Nothing to Show for It
Commentary
There’s talk, and there’s productive talk. You would sometimes think U.S. officials are paid by the word and are content with the former sort of talk.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen have recently visited China. Climate Czar John Kerry is currently visiting.
These visits and attendant dialogue are invariably described as “candid and constructive,” “direct, substantive, and productive,” vital to “maintain open channels of communications,” “responsibly manage competition,” “reduce risk of misperception and miscalculation,” and “to learn more about each other.”
And the subtext is that if the Americans stop talking, then war with China is just around the corner….