ChinaTalk An Alternative Vision of U.S.-China Relations with Jake Sullivan
Oct 9, 2019
Jake Sullivan, a former National Security Advisor and current Yale Law professor, shares valuable insights on U.S.-China relations. He reflects on his experiences during the Obama years and the implications of the 2016 election for trade politics. Sullivan discusses the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding human rights issues in China, emphasizing the need for a consistent approach. He also highlights the importance of collaboration between specialists and generalists to navigate the intricate dynamics of this critical relationship.
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Diplomatic Differences
- Jake Sullivan highlights the difference between diplomacy in English and through interpreters, emphasizing the difficulty of the latter with Chinese counterparts.
- He notes that Chinese diplomats often read from prepared scripts, hindering unscripted, direct conversations.
Obama's China Focus
- The Obama administration prioritized the US-China relationship, reflected in the "pivot" or "rebalance" to Asia.
- However, the administration underestimated Xi Jinping's distinct leadership style and China's interpretation of a "new model" of relations.
Clinton and TPP
- Hillary Clinton's opposition to TPP during the 2016 campaign stemmed from domestic economic concerns.
- She believed a multilateral trade approach was necessary but wanted improvements beyond TPP's framework.