R. Nicholas Burns, Biden’s Ambassador to China, shares insights from his 35 years in diplomacy. He discusses the nuanced strategies of U.S.-China negotiations, contrasting them with Cold War tactics. The ambassador dives into China’s alliances with Iran and North Korea, questioning their impact on credibility. He emphasizes the role of European alliances in countering Chinese aggression and explores areas for productive engagement between the U.S. and China. Finally, he reflects on the personal and emotional aspects of diplomatic farewells.
Ambassador Burns stresses the importance of historical diplomatic lessons from Kissinger to navigate modern U.S.-China relations effectively.
The necessity of continuous dialogue between the U.S. and China is highlighted to prevent misunderstandings and mitigate conflict escalation.
Burns points out the contradictions in China's desire for global order while simultaneously aligning with disruptive nations like Russia and Iran.
Deep dives
Kissinger's Negotiating Legacy
Henry Kissinger's negotiating style has had a profound influence on U.S.-China relations, as he navigated complex interactions with key Chinese leaders like Mao, Zhou Enlai, and Deng Xiaoping. Ambassador Burns reflects on his extensive interactions with Kissinger, emphasizing the insights gained regarding the strategies for engaging with China and understanding its political dynamics. Kissinger's principles remain relevant in current diplomatic discussions, particularly as they pertain to the importance of acknowledging the Chinese Communist Party as the key player in Chinese power structures. This historical perspective informs Burns' approach in addressing contemporary challenges, as he recognizes the sophistication and training of Chinese diplomats in negotiations.
The Shift in U.S.-China Relations
The dynamics of U.S.-China relations have evolved significantly since the time of Kissinger, particularly in the context of contemporary global challenges. Ambassador Burns examines the notion of doing a 'reverse Kissinger' by finding common ground with China, yet notes that the historical context of the 1970s is different from today’s geopolitical landscape. The current Chinese leadership appears more aligned with global disruption, especially in their ties with countries like Russia and Iran, raising questions about their commitment to a stable international order. As conversations unfold, it becomes evident that the U.S. must clearly communicate its expectations regarding global responsibility and the need for China to reassess its alliances.
The Importance of Dialogue
Dialogue remains a crucial facet of diplomacy in managing the complexities of U.S.-China relations, especially in avoiding misunderstandings that could escalate into conflict. Ambassador Burns emphasizes that daily communication is essential for addressing numerous issues that arise between both nations, citing the unfavorable consequences that followed the breakdown of communication channels post-events such as Speaker Pelosi's Taiwan visit. Furthermore, higher-level discussions need to focus not just on surface issues but also on the underlying motivations influencing national policies. Burns believes that fostering meaningful, thoughtful conversations is instrumental in promoting stability between two global powers and reducing the likelihood of military confrontation.
Assessing Chinese Global Influence
The challenge presented by China's alignment with nations such as Russia, North Korea, and Iran raises critical questions about China's role in global governance and its aspirations as a world power. Ambassador Burns argues that China's claims to both be agents of world order while simultaneously partnering with disruptive forces contradict their stated goals. He highlights specific examples of Chinese support for Russia’s military efforts and its lack of action in influencing conflicts such as the one in Gaza. Burn’s assertions reflect the broader necessity of holding China accountable for its actions, urging it to consider the longer-term implications of its alliances and engagement on the international stage.
Future Strategies for U.S.-China Relations
Looking ahead, Ambassador Burns advocates for a pragmatic approach to U.S.-China relations that balances competition with necessary engagement. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong alliances in the Indo-Pacific and developing a collaborative strategy to strengthen U.S. influence globally, particularly in regions now dominated by China. Additionally, as the U.S. faces the challenge of educating future diplomats on the significance of expert knowledge in Chinese affairs, Burns encourages a renewed commitment to language and cultural studies. By fostering an informed and skilled diplomatic corps, the U.S. can better navigate the complexities of this evolving rivalry while promoting stability and collaboration.
Can diplomatic charisma prevent crises from escalating? Does the CCP feel conflicted about aligning with the likes of Iran and North Korea? What’s the use of communicating during a great power competition?
To find out, ChinaTalk interviewed R. Nicholas Burns, Biden’s Ambassador to China, whose diplomatic career spans 35 years and 8 countries.
We discuss…
Kissinger’s experience negotiating with the CCP,
Why China’s negotiating tactics are so different from those of the Soviet Union,
How European allies are helping to push back against Chinese aggression,
Great power responsibilities, and whether Chinese leaders truly appreciate the reputational costs of helping the Russians and the Houthis,
Biden’s victories with new partners in the Pacific,
How diplomats express consequences and draw red lines during international crises,
Areas of mutual interest where the U.S. and China can still engage productively,
The importance of specialists in the Foreign Service.
