SINGAPORE: A rocky road lies ahead for Sino-US ties regardless of who emerges as America's next leader, but the size of the rocks and which areas they lie in will vary depending on whether a Harris or Trump presidency emerges, say analysts. They add that for all their disagreements, one thing both Republicans and Democrats agree on, even before the polarising and deadlocked presidential contest, is the need to counter China. This won’t change, whether it’s Vice-President Kamala Harris or former president Donald Trump who takes office.
Observers say this stance will colour Washington’s approach towards Beijing - a reality well recognised by the Chinese leadership. “Strategic patience is Beijing's only choice in dealing with Washington, regardless of whether it's Trump or Harris,” Mr Einar Tangen, a senior fellow at the Beijing-based Taihe Institute, told CNA. Trade, tech and Taiwan are the hot-button issues looming large over the bilateral relationship, with far-reaching global consequences depending on how they are handled, experts warn.
Dr William Choong, a senior fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, told CNA that clarity on America’s China policies is a key want from Beijing. “If the Chinese had their wish, they’d wish that all these trade curbs and tech export controls went away. But we know that's not going to go away,” he said.
COOPERATION, COMPETITION, CONFRONTATION Competition and confrontation have been gaining ground in recent years, at the expens.
