Commentary: After years of demonising China, the US has to start an honest dialogue
Biden’s presidency offers a chance to change the tone and approach in dealing with China, which will not be cowed by threats, say two observers.
HONG KONG: Americans don’t agree on much of anything nowadays. Yet they are largely united in their belief that China represents an existential challenge to their country and the international order it has long led.
This combination of internal division and external demonisation has made the Sino-American rivalry increasingly inescapable – and potentially catastrophic.
America’s internal divisions have been fueled in recent years by social media, which, by populating users’ feeds with tailored content, creates “echo chambers” that reinforce, rather than challenge, their beliefs and values.
When alternative ideas do make it into the echo ch...
