Whether one regards this stance as innocently optimistic or irredeemably delusional, there’s no denying that President Xi is still clinging to the New Détente, though it might ultimately be for naught.
Another excellent analysis, Andrew. However, the "hardliners" in Washington only have one weapon left to use for international relations and that is unbridled force. As you have reported so many times, they are clinging to their exceptionalism and unipolar world view and it seems they will not let up, thus taking the whole world to the brink of extinction. Chaos, strife, and armed aggression everywhere one looks. That is their MO.
Just as Russia has to assert it is available to negotiate in order to demonstrate to other partners that it's not the agreement incapable party, China too has to play to Africa, Asia, and South America. Doing otherwise would just be handing more red meat to USA's toadies who are in a political struggle with local actors who are invested in the China camp.
Another excellent analysis, Andrew. However, the "hardliners" in Washington only have one weapon left to use for international relations and that is unbridled force. As you have reported so many times, they are clinging to their exceptionalism and unipolar world view and it seems they will not let up, thus taking the whole world to the brink of extinction. Chaos, strife, and armed aggression everywhere one looks. That is their MO.
Just as Russia has to assert it is available to negotiate in order to demonstrate to other partners that it's not the agreement incapable party, China too has to play to Africa, Asia, and South America. Doing otherwise would just be handing more red meat to USA's toadies who are in a political struggle with local actors who are invested in the China camp.