Frank Ching is a journalist and commentator. He writes in the Japan Times:
In the 21st century, there is no relationship more important to the U.S. This does not mean that Washington can give up its network of alliances in Europe and in Asia. Those alliances are important. But Washington must give greater recognition of China’s role in the coming decades.
… On climate change — something to which the Obama administration is determined to give priority, reversing eight years of inactivity — Washington badly needs the cooperation of Beijing, since China has overtaken the U.S. as the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
China will not be blackmailed into cooperation. It can, however, be persuaded if the U.S. were to take the lead and unconditionally announce its own plans to reduce emissions. Hopefully, this is what Obama and his advisers are planning to do.
