China and US should resolve differences
Every day you see news reports about tension and controversies between the US and China. One careless word from any official in either country can cause markets around the world to plummet.
The South China Sea is also a source of friction as the People’s Liberation Army extends control over isolated atolls in waters with potential for oil, gas and seafood resources.
If history is any guide, we can expect a military confrontation at any time in that area, since there are trigger-happy officers in all armies who don’t want to lose face. An instance of impulsive missile-firing could spell disaster
Why should it be this way? We know that the US espouses capitalism and China communism, but these are only names, ideologies that have little relevance in a rapidly changing world. The US has a great deal of socialism in its political and economic life, and China has embraced stock-market capitalism with a vengeance. So where is the problem? When will reactionary officials in both countries stop their stupid rhetoric and flag-waving?
Our globe, our only home, faces huge crises – ecological damage, global warming, arms proliferation, ageing populations, runaway migration and international terrorism.
These can only be solved by international cooperation and a more unified and proactive United Nations.