Editorial | Joe Biden opens door to era of possibilities in relationship between America and China
- With so many problems at home, the new US president is unlikely to make immediate changes to policies on Beijing, but it is in the interest of both countries to focus on normalising ties
Joe Biden took office as the 46th president of the United States with barely a mention of foreign policy. Given the enormity of the domestic challenges his administration faces, the ever-worsening Covid-19 epidemic and the economic turmoil it has wrought being priorities, that is understandable.
But while there was reference only to repairing alliances and engaging with the world again, it is the nation he did not name, China, which he will have to factor in to much of what he does. The relationship is equally important for Beijing, so both countries need tolerance, flexibility and a willingness to cooperate as they navigate a new era of ties.
Beijing has set the right tone, anticipating that the damage to relations caused by Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, can be put “back on the right track”. State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken of the opening of “a new window of hope”.
The new president and the team he has chosen to engage with the world have vast experience and are bound to be pragmatic and diplomatic. Gone will be the uncertainty and rash policymaking that damaged America’s foreign ties and led to its withdrawal from international accords and organisations.
Within hours of taking office, Biden set about reversing Trump’s controversial policies, signing executive orders that will return the US to the Paris climate change pact and introduce Covid-19 protections. In coming days, moves will begin to rejoin the World Health Organization.
