US-China relations: the pre-Trump warning shot that signalled trouble ahead
- The souring relationship between Washington and Beijing was forewarned in 2005 ‘responsible stakeholder’ speech
- Former State Department official Robert Zoellick provoked anger when he said China should not take access to the US for granted
When former deputy secretary of state Robert Zoellick stepped up to the podium to deliver the keynote address at the National Committee on US-China Relations’ annual gala in 2005, he was expected to offer the usual rosy celebration of the relationship reserved for such occasions. That did not happen.
Instead – 15 years ago today – Zoellick, who went on to head the World Bank, delivered what became known as his “responsible stakeholder” speech in reference to China‘s place in the world order.
The talk gained something of a reputation as a juncture in China-US relations, as Zoellick warned the honeymoon for China and the US might soon be coming to an end. Protectionist pressures in the US were growing, he said, pointing to China’s large trade deficits and theft of intellectual property.
“Many people hated it at the time, particularly Americans,” said Evan Feigenbaum, then a senior adviser to Zoellick who worked closely with him on the speech. “Some in the crowd with close ties to China were uncomfortable with the tone, objected to the substance, hated the entire thrust.”
He described the faces of prominent Americans on the dais as “turning green” as Zoellick made his case, adding that one prominent American sinologist came up to him afterwards, jabbed a finger in his chest, and demanded: “Did you write that speech? Did you write that speech?”