China should offer economic incentives to woo US allies caught in political crossfire, ex-commerce minister says
- Chen Deming likens US allies to ‘reeds atop a wall’, easily swayed in geopolitical dispute between Beijing and Washington
- Chen also urges Beijing to do more to attract foreign investment to China
Beijing should strive to develop closer relationships with American allies and win them over with mutually beneficial economic arrangements amid efforts by Washington to contain China, according to one of its former commerce ministers.
And for those allies of the United States who are also key trading partners with China, but find themselves caught in the political crossfire, Chen Deming said Beijing should “learn to tell them the China story” while putting ideological matters aside in lieu of economic benefits.
The 72-year-old Chen, who served as commerce minister from 2007-13, was speaking in Beijing at a forum hosted by the Centre for China and Globalisation (CCG) think tank, of which he is honorary chairman.
We will never allow the US to restrict our right to development. In fact, it is impossible to restrict it at all
“The mentality of the US allies is complicated,” he said. “They want the protection of the US in terms of security, but they also want to do business with China, and their position will also be affected by domestic politics.”
He said this creates the phenomenon of “reeds atop a wall” – meaning those involved can be easily swayed in the current geopolitical struggle.
“We should set the bottom line, offer moderate tolerance, let them [the US’ allies] know the advantages and disadvantages, and urge them to show restraint.”
In reference to the “competition between China and the US”, Chen said that while it will not go away – especially as China continues to rise and the US remains a “titan”, albeit a slowing one – both countries must focus on harnessing their complementary strengths.
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