Potential to mitigate decoupling trend

The face-to-face meeting between Chinese and US presidents carries significant implications for the intricate web of relations between China and the US, especially against the backdrop of a global economy grappling with myriad challenges.

The economic interdependence between China and the United States, often described as a complex web of collaboration and competition, underscores the significance of sustained dialogue. One of the significant steps in the right direction by this engagement is that there is a potential to mitigate the prevalent trend of decoupling and breaking chains.

The commitment to combat illegal production of fentanyl, a bilateral agreement with far-reaching consequences, underscores the shared responsibility in addressing transnational challenges. Such collaborative endeavors not only contribute to the development and employment within the US but also signal a commitment to global public health and security.

While tangible progress has been made, deep-seated differences persist, particularly in economic policies and geopolitical posturing. A lessening of trade tensions between China and the US has the potential to stimulate economic growth, not just for the nations involved but for the world at large. As the leaders navigate through the complexities of their economic relationship, they hold the fate of countless businesses, workers, and industries in their hands. A collaborative approach, as evidenced by the discussions, can contribute to job creation, economic development, and market stability not only at the regional level but also at the global scale.

Muhammad Asif Noor, founder of the Friends of BRI Forum and director of the Centre for BRI and China Studies, Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies in Pakistan

Sino-US ties need to go beyond words

Few were expecting some earthshaking "deliverables" to emerge from the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. Nonetheless, Wednesday’s summit between the leaders of China and the United States was important, as it has succeeded in bringing a more stable ground under what was becoming a dangerous situation.

A modest harvest in a world starved of cooperation between its biggest superpowers is far better than nothing at all. Only time will tell.

The return of military-to-military cooperation and commitment to fight opiate abuse are clear winners, as are renewed commitments to halt further climate degradation, the focus on global public health, as well as artificial intelligence. Newly invigorated bilateral working committees are a welcome sign.
While expectations were low, hope springs eternal. The proof will be in actual results that must go far beyond words.

Harvey Dzodin, a senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization

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