With US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo’s impending visit to China, a series of positive gestures from the US have been observed, including the removal of 27 Chinese entities from its unverified list and statements emphasizing the US’s lack of interest in decoupling from China. These actions are seen as a prelude to Raimondo’s visit and an indicator of potential shifts in bilateral relations.
Chinese experts are closely monitoring Raimondo’s visit as a litmus test of the US’s commitment to repairing ties. While acknowledging that a single visit cannot resolve all issues, experts highlight the importance of reaching practical consensus to lay the groundwork for future negotiations.
China’s diplomatic envoy, Xie Feng, engaged in discussions with Raimondo, exchanging views on economic and trade ties as well as her upcoming visit. Xie emphasized the global need for collaborative efforts in times of crises and urged joint actions to stabilize bilateral relations.
The Chinese Embassy and the US Department of Commerce both labeled the meeting as “constructive” and “productive.” Raimondo’s forthcoming visit will include meetings with senior Chinese officials and business executives in Beijing and Shanghai.
Analysts contend that while a complete withdrawal from the “decoupling” narrative is unlikely, recent developments demonstrate that the US realizes the limitations and risks of such a stance. The majority of the world does not support decoupling, as it would isolate countries rather than foster cooperation.
Experts view Raimondo’s visit as a gauge of the US’s sincerity in improving relations. They note that while strategic competition between the two nations persists, maintaining economic cooperation and managing differences effectively can provide stability to the relationship.
President Biden’s evolving stance on China seeks a competitive yet controlled relationship. However, with the 2024 election approaching, countries remain cautious of election-season promises made by incumbent presidents.
Raimondo’s message on her China visit echoes Sullivan’s statement that the US does not intend to decouple from China. Despite these words, the US Commerce Department’s actions, including lifting some entities from the unverified list, show that considerable restrictions remain in place.
While the term “decoupling” may have been replaced with “de-risking,” experts suggest that the US is recalibrating its approach to appear more responsible and persuasive to allies. Concepts like “economic security” and “economic alliance” have been manipulated to curb China’s technological advancement.
The ongoing US efforts to hinder China’s technological progress are expected to be a significant topic in discussions. The Chinese side is likely to express concern over these measures that have disrupted the commercial and trade environment.
Despite the tension, the intertwined nature of China-US trade cannot be ignored. While trade between China and the US’s trading partners such as Mexico has increased, the interdependence of the two economies remains significant. Experts anticipate that resolving specific issues through dialogue could signal the start of pragmatic improvements in the relationship.