Letters | US-China cooperation vital for stability in Southeast Asia and beyond

Readers discuss the positive momentum in bilateral relations following the Xi-Biden summit, protection against the winter flu season, district council election turnout and taxi drivers’ woes

US-China relations

Letters

Published: 11:30am, 12 Dec 2023

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I refer to the article, “China confirms it is working with US to restore military communication channels based on Xi-Biden agreement” (November 30).

As the tumultuous currents of the global landscape call for diplomatic breakthroughs, the summit last month between President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden in San Francisco is emerging as a beacon of hope. Detente and collaboration between China and the United States is vital for global stability and economic recovery.

For someone residing in the Philippines, where historical ties with China and a colonial past with the US intersect, the prospect of cooperation and reduced animosity between these superpowers is of paramount importance. It is a key factor in the Philippines’ ability to foster a truly independent foreign policy, emulating the non-aligned stance of countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, which navigate territorial disputes without aligning militarily with major powers.

In an interconnected global economy, collaboration between the world’s two largest economies is indispensable for economic stability. Ending trade wars can catalyse a more robust global economic recovery.

China’s enduring cultural history, shaped by Confucian and Taoist values emphasising harmony, instils confidence in its peaceful rise. This mindset aligns with modern China’s foreign policy of fostering collaboration for the greater good.

While the “Thucydides Trap” warns of inevitable clashes between rising and existing powers, it is not an immutable law. Diplomacy and cooperation can circumvent this scenario, emphasising the need for a win-win approach over a zero-sum mindset.

Our expansive world can accommodate multiple great powers. China’s resurgence doesn’t diminish the influence of other powers; a multipolar world thrives on collaboration, mutual respect and shared responsibility.

Addressing global challenges – climate change, pandemics, conflicts, transnational crimes – requires collaborative efforts. Following the Xi-Biden summit, the US and China now have a great opportunity for a positive global shift.

Sustained efforts to build trust, employ diplomatic language and address core concerns are imperative. The summit underscores the enduring relevance of dialogue, emphasising that, even amid divergent national interests, diplomacy remains paramount for a harmonious and progressive world order.

Wilson Lee Flores, Manila, Philippines

Vaccine and masks are a must during flu season

Hong Kong must address the challenges presented by the winter flu surge, particularly among our most vulnerable populations: the elderly and children.

Since August, the rate of influenza-like illness consultations at sentinel private medical practitioner clinics has been higher than the average for the same time frame from 2019 to 2022. Specifically, between November 26 and December 2, there were 39 cases of influenza-like illness for every 1,000 consultations.

While the lifting of the Covid-19 mask mandate in March signals a return to normalcy, we must not underestimate the risks posed by the winter surge. The elderly, with their often-compromised immune systems, and children, with their developing immune responses, remain particularly susceptible to respiratory infections, including Covid-19 and the flu.

The first line of defence is vaccination. Vaccines have been a cornerstone in controlling the spread of infectious diseases and minimising their impact. We urge families to ensure their elderly members and children are up to date with their Covid-19 vaccinations and flu shots. These vaccines are safe, effective and the best tool we have to prevent severe illness and hospitalisation.

In addition to vaccination, mask-wearing remains a simple yet powerful tool, especially in crowded or enclosed spaces. Masks significantly reduce the transmission of respiratory droplets, the primary mode of infection for many viruses. While not mandatory, wearing a mask, particularly during the winter months, can provide an extra layer of protection for the elderly and children.

As a community, we must adopt a balanced approach. While embracing the easing of restrictions, we should continue to exercise caution, especially in protecting those at higher risk. Let’s show solidarity in our actions by getting vaccinated and wearing masks when necessary, ensuring a safer winter for everyone.

Jeffrey Chan, Sophie So Wan Yip and Kei Shing Ng, Pok Fu Lam

Low turnout at district council election speaks volumes

The district council election on Sunday reported a turnout of 27.54 per cent, the lowest since Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule in 1997. If you deduct from the number the 170,000 civil servants obliged to vote and the elderly ferried to poling stations in return for a free lunch, the result is an insult to the government.

More than 70 per cent of eligible voters chose not to vote. By not speaking up, the Hong Kong people have spoken. I am still not optimistic about Hong Kong’s future, but election results at least offer a sprinkle of hope.

Peter den Hartog, Tuen Mun

Taxi drivers are going through hard times, too

I refer to your editorial, “Customers driven to distraction by official assurance for Hong Kong taxis” (November 25).

While many Hongkongers criticise taxi drivers for their outrageous behaviour and unprofessionalism, l wish to point out that taxi drivers, too, have many grievances.

With high car rental and fuel charges, fluctuating incomes and inflation, many taxi drivers barely earn enough for a living.

Passengers complain about taxi drivers refusing to take them across the harbour. The reality is when taxi drivers sometimes take a wrong route because they are unfamiliar with the destination, some passengers make a scene. Drivers also risk an empty taxi on the return trip.

Some younger passengers don’t like to pay cash after the taxi ride, but the fact is many taxi drivers are 60 years old and above and cannot keep up with the latest technology. Hongkongers should be more tolerant.

Jacqueline Kwan, Sai Ying Pun