The rhetoric Wang Yi used during his press conference suggests an evolution in China’s foreign policy approach towards being more proactive. As countries navigate an increasingly tense world, the challenge for China lies in showing it can offer advantages equal to those provided by the US.
Internationally exposed and more liberal than older generations, they are changing established social structures, creating new social spaces, and using social media to bargain with the party-state.
The dynamism and diversity of middle-class Shanghai simply does not support America’s fear that China’s development, illustrated by the explosive growth of its middle class, is wholly negative.
As officials from the US and China meet this week, they can take inspiration from the collaboration and healthy competition happening between their scientists in matters of public health.
