George Yeo and Dr. Kyung-wha Kang: U.S.-China Relations and Musings After Government

By Joel Wong

Singapore’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs George Yeo and Dr. Kyung-wha Kang, president and CEO of Asia Society and Korea’s former minister of Foreign Affairs, share their perspectives on U.S.-China relations and a wide range of topics, including India, Southeast Asia, and more. George Yeo is noted for his extensive experience in public service, the private sector, and diplomacy, providing deep insights into various global issues.

The discussion emphasized the intense competition and tension between the U.S. and China, highlighting the significance of this relationship for global policy and business leaders. Key topics included the regional impact of U.S.-China relations, the situation in Taiwan, and ASEAN’s approach to these challenges, along with internal regional issues like the situation in Myanmar. Yeo stressed the importance of building bridges and fostering communication despite differences, warning against the dangers of trying to impose one nation’s system on another, and advocating for subtle, strategic, and long-term policy thinking.

To better promote mutual acceptance and constructive engagement in their relations, the U.S. and China can take the following steps:

1. Avoid Provocative Actions on Sensitive Issues: Both countries should refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric, particularly concerning Taiwan, and maintain open lines of communication to find common ground.
2. Respect Cultural and Historical Contexts: Recognize and respect the unique histories and cultures of each nation, avoiding the imposition of one’s values and systems on the other.
3. Engage in Substantive Dialogue: Address areas of concern such as intellectual property rights and intelligence gathering through thorough and balanced discussions to find mutually beneficial solutions.
4. Encourage Cultural Exchanges: Promote people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding to build trust and long-term relationships.
5. Adopt a Long-term Strategic Perspective: Focus on long-term policymaking rather than being driven by short-term political or economic pressures.
6. Emphasize Peacebuilding Roles: Strive to be peacemakers and bridge-builders, working to de-escalate tensions and avoid a competitive “win-lose” mindset.
7. Collaborate on Shared Interests: Acknowledge that both nations share interests in global stability and prosperity and work collaboratively to achieve these common goals.

Our world will be in a better place if the US and China would work together. But, there is no such a scenario in the foreseeable future!