Why China’s hopes for a reset in relations with US may be in vain

Overtures to the incoming Biden administration are unlikely to be enough to overcome the growing distrust on both sides

Some diplomatic observations believe concrete measures – such as reopening consulates – will be needed

4-MIN READ4-MIN

The US consulate in Chengdu was ordered to close earlier this year. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 6:00pm, 12 Dec 2020Updated: 8:31pm, 12 Dec 2020

China’s overtures towards the incoming Biden administration are unlikely to make much difference without concrete gestures such as reopening diplomatic missions or the removal of visa restrictions, diplomatic observers have warned.

China’s foreign minister Wang Yi has repeatedly called for both sides to work together to rebuild trust and said the two sides can work together in areas such as fighting Covid-19, the economy and tackling climate changes.

In recent months, relations between the world’s two largest economies have plunged to their lowest level in decades, clashing over issues such as the pandemic, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and the Shouth China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was one of the last world leaders to congratulate Joe Biden on winning the November 3 election, issuing a statement in which he said he hoped the two countries would manage their differences nearly three weeks after results were called by major media outlets.

Beijing is watching closely as Biden puts together his team and is waiting to see the direction his foreign policy will take. But diplomatic observers believe the kind of reset that Beijing wants is not likely to happen soon, with the bipartisan consensus against Washington hardening and the incoming administration’s priorities likely to be domestic, including the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

Relations with China are not likely to be a priority for Joe Biden. Photo: AP