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A rising China can help US maintain stable global order

I refer to the commentary “Trump must mind the traps on China” (Jan 11) and the reports “Trump’s choice on trade could put China in a difficult spot” and “In fresh salvo, Trump’s Pentagon choice accuses Beijing of hurting global stability” (Jan 13).

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Teo Kueh Liang

I refer to the commentary “Trump must mind the traps on China” (Jan 11) and the reports “Trump’s choice on trade could put China in a difficult spot” and “In fresh salvo, Trump’s Pentagon choice accuses Beijing of hurting global stability” (Jan 13).

A rising China is a fact. No country, including the United States, can change this, and some have said the two countries cannot escape the Thucydides Trap and avoid conflict.

An emerging China can supplement the US in maintaining a balanced, stable international order, provide a balanced and efficient system of distributing public goods globally, as well as promote a vibrant, prosperous economic environment. Close collaboration between China and the US in the spectrum of economic and scientific developments will benefit both countries.

On the other hand, if US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to adopt trade protectionism and nativism, it will lead to isolation and is in the interest of no one. His threats of tariffs against China and Mexico will only hurt global free trade and economies.

China still needs at least two decades to advance in many areas. For example, it is the world’s biggest polluter and will need to accurately report its carbon emissions and data for verification, even though it wants to take on a leadership role in promoting the Paris Agreement. If China or the US eventually chooses military confrontation to address differences, both countries would regress.

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