Jonathan A. Czin, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution, has said that diplomacy towards China should focus on "blunting Beijing's responses," rather than negotiation, as the Trump administration assumes office. Czin made this statement in a January 6 commentary for Brookings.
According to the Brookings commentary, Czin emphasizes that the U.S. government should work towards a sustainable strategy for its relationship with China. He advocates for a balanced diplomatic policy that avoids unnecessary escalation while asserting competition. Strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly with Taiwan and the Philippines, is crucial, he says.
Czin believes China's recent actions, such as cooperation on counternarcotics and releasing detained U.S. citizens, are calculated efforts to appease Washington while assessing the new administration’s policies. Over the past four years, Beijing has prepared measures to counter U.S. tariffs and trade restrictions but has shown restraint to avoid escalation. Czin argues that the Trump administration should capitalize on President Xi Jinping's reluctance to escalate tensions while maintaining strategic balance in economic, trade, and technology sectors.
The Center for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) describes the U.S.-China relationship as the most significant bilateral relationship of the 21st century, with both countries accounting for nearly 40% of global GDP.
Jonathan A. Czin is recognized as an expert in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution, according to his biography on their website.
