David Lampton, a well-known U.S. China hand, has argued that what he calls the "tipping point" in China-U.S. relations still remains even after the landmark meeting between leaders of the two countries in September.
David M. Lampton, director of China Studies Program at the John Hopkins University. [Photo by Zhang Lulu/China.org.cn]
The director of the China Studies Program of John Hopkins University said in May that the relations between the world's two largest economies were near a "tipping-point." Speaking to China.org.cn on the sidelines of the Sixth World Forum on China Studies in Shanghai on Nov. 21, the professor explained that this meant a situation where "little things can have big effects."
"We have enough frictions in our relationship that we have to be very careful to manage things, because little things can make a big difference," he said.
One of the "frictions" was the South China Sea issue. U.S. aircraft and naval vessels were spotted in the South China Sea recently, and just hours before this year's APEC summit in the Philippines, U.S. President Barack Obama accused China of engaging in construction activity in the area and announced a US$259 million military assistance package for its Southeast Asian allies.
Professor Lampton argued that China should solve its border issues with its neighbors through bilateral or trilateral dialogue. As to the United States, "I think we should be supportive of China's efforts to reach a fair deal with its neighbors. And after that, it's not our business".
The scholar also argued in his speech at the forum that the United States should "make room for China and other rising powers."
He took the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) as an example. He said that, though the concept initially did not include China, the United States has changed its stance and welcomes China to be a part if it meets certain requirements.
However, he also reminded his listeners that the trade pact might not get passed in the U.S. Congress or it may take a long time to be approved.
Given the frequent and apparently increasing frictions between China and the United States, Professor Lampton said that the two sides should try to build a security cooperation organization on a regional basis in future although he believed this might take a long time.
