Tensions seem to be on the rise between China and the United States. With disputes emerging over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, President Obama’s upcoming meeting with the Dalai Lama, Iran’s nuclear program, and bilateral trade, there is a fear that disagreements could sour relations and prevent cooperation between Washington and Beijing.
In a new video Q&A, Douglas Paal analyzes the current state of relations, the severity of the disputes, and the likelihood of continued cooperation. Paal says that while there has been an increase in heated rhetoric over sensitive issues, both governments are trying to prevent emotions from getting out of control. And despite the current downturn in relations, “there’s almost no transnational problem that doesn’t require the United States and China to work together.”