Revaluing US-China relations beyond trade

To take current media headlines on the U.S.-China relationship at face value is to vastly underestimate the strength, complexity and importance of our nations’ bilateral ties. The disputes on the front pages appear overwhelming; arguments about currency, Iran and product safety fit neatly into the standard media narrative, a narrative that emphasizes conflict and controversy. But those headlines do not tell the entire story of this vibrant and thriving – but still fragile – relationship.

As the president and vice president of the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress, we are well aware of China’s rapidly evolving role in the world during the past three decades and are frankly astonished at the positive change that has occurred since Deng Xiaoping launched the Four Modernizations in 1978. Looking at the long-term picture and considering the entire US-China relationship, we feel compelled to share three insights into the world’s most important bilateral relationship.

{mosads}Trade brought us together, but personal and cultural relations will bind us permanently. It goes without saying that our differences on key policy issues will not disappear, but they do not have to define or dominate our relationship perpetually. The US-China trade relationship is a fundamental pillar of both of our economies, but it is a cold, money-driven relationship.  What we need to emphasize, in both countries, is increased personal and cultural ties. We need to develop a relationship based not just on convenience, but on genuine friendship, shared passions and common humanity. Trade has no soul. Friendships, education, and cultural exchanges do.

There are two Chinas. Or maybe 10.  Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of leading a bipartisan delegation of five former Members of Congress on a 10-day political and cultural tour of China. In our travels through the cities of Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, we learned a great deal to supplement our existing knowledge of the Chinese people, their culture, and their politics. What we heard from the Chinese was the same thing one might expect to hear in Arizona or Michigan: “Shanghai (New York City) is not China (America).” 

Most Americans judge China based on media reports highlighting extreme poverty or extreme wealth, but that is a gross simplification. The Chinese, we’ve found, already know far more about our nation than we do about theirs. American understanding of China is sadly facile, and that will become a significant handicap in the future. Americans need to understand more fully the complexity of the many regions and personalities of China.

America’s soft power is our greatest asset in building a stable relationship with China. We sometimes underestimate how influential the diverse components of “Brand America” can be, particularly in China.  During our recent trip to China, we found that Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash were hugely popular (though Yao Ming remained bigger), Jack Bauer had convinced the Chinese the Secret Service lives a glamorous life of action and intrigue and Kentucky Fried Chicken was the favorite restaurant of many Chinese. All of these are examples of the soft, commercial power of American society. 

Even more importantly, many Chinese held very positive impressions of American culture and politics, even if they also were prone to ask sharp-edged questions about everything from our healthcare system to the chaotic masterpiece that is our democracy. 

Our soft power is an unruly force that is largely untamed and uncontrolled, but is a fundamental basis for connecting with 1.3 billion Chinese at a personal level. We also believe that once more Americans are introduced to the amazing scope of Chinese history, they will be similarly drawn into this country that lived a dozen lifetimes before our young nation was established.

Our relationship with China is complex, and not without many stumbling blocks. While it is important for Americans to understand certain Chinese sensitivities, such as the relationship with Taiwan, it is equally important for the Chinese to understand our deep commitment to human rights, to freedom of speech and press, and freedom of religion.

If there is one concrete recommendation we could provide to every reader based on our recent trip, it is this: Travel to China. Study in China. Live in China. We would offer the exact same advice to the Chinese people: Take advantage of all that our great nation has to offer. Share in our unique culture, influenced by a global hodgepodge of immigrants during the centuries. Get to know us, and we will get to know you. Our greatest enemy is ignorance.

Ultimately, we are optimistic for the future of the U.S.-China relationship. But for that relationship to become strong enough to survive inevitable confrontations and challenges in the coming years, we need to develop connections that are broader and deeper than economic self-interest alone.

John (Jay) Rhodes III is the president of the United States Association of Former Members of Congress. He represented Arizona’s 1st District as a Republican from 1987-1993.  Dennis Hertel is the vice president of the United States Association of Former Members of Congress. He represented Michigan’s 14th District as a Democrat from 1981-1993.