Compiled by Leslie Yeh
Northwest Asian Weekly
In honor of the 30th anniversary of U.S.–China relations on Oct. 1, Northwest Asian Weekly staff asked people who have a foot (or even two feet) in China to project what they think the next 30 years will be like.
Denise Choo
Teaching Assistant, University of Washington Asian American Studies
I don’t think the United States can expect China to become another East Asian ally like Japan has been. The two countries have such opposite ideas and beliefs concerning government and justice that both could continue increasing the tension.
They must be willing to cooperate and accommodate for each others’ policies and ideas, as these two countries’ decisions will have the most influence on the rest of the world in the coming century.
Another significant facet to their relations is the future of Taiwan. Either China decides to let go of its claim, or the U.S. retracts its recognition of the island nation. If nothing changes, relations will remain strained. Economically, the two need to reconsider the effects of their trade decisions.
The U.S. must control its trade deficit, while China should reconsider the fix of its exchange rate on the dollar. For now, I believe that it is in China’s best interests to stabilize internally and cooperate with the U.S. for the most part, as it will only help them to grow and transition into world power status. The U.S. on the other hand, must work on appeasing China as it grows economically.
Olivia Chow
University student
Studying abroad in Shanghai for a year, I was able to see how the U.S. has really affected the culture and the people, especially the youth. Everywhere I went, I could see the influence of American stores, clothes, music, and pop culture.
I think that the U.S. has really helped to modernize the country, but I think it is also important for China to retain its complex and intriguing history and cultural traditions as well. There is so much depth and history to the country that people around the world have not been able to experience and fully comprehend.
While I was there, I noticed there were a lot of Americans and other foreign students who traveled to China to learn the language and study local customs.
I think in the future, the major urban cities in China will continue to attract students from all around the world by its diverse population, unique commodities, exciting nightlife, and cultural sights.
Jean Enersen
KING-TV anchor, led the first news crew to China after President Nixon opened trade relations
The U.S. and China know the importance of each to each other and will move forward on that premise.
The Northwest has a particularly long and strong relationship with China of which we are proud.
Sam Kaplan
Vice president of the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle
The continued development of China is important from a humanitarian viewpoint — the more successful the Chinese economy, the more people in the world will be pulled out of poverty.
I expect there will be bumps in the road for China and the U.S. but in the long run, we will have more in common to work on, from the environment to the economy, than on which to disagree.
Clare Petrich
President of the Port of Tacoma Commission
From international trade to dragon boat races — our business connections and friendships between Washington state and China have grown dramatically during the last 30 years.
As a port commissioner, I am proud to have played a small part in helping build these business connections, new economic opportunities, and new friendships. Congratulations to all who have helped build this important relationship in the past, as well as those who will help expand it in the future.
Xiaoqiu Wang
Attorney-at-law, ChappelWang, PLLC
China is huge, both geographically and population-wise.
These two natures alone inherently carry a lot of weight for China in the world. The country has become a super power in a short span of time due to its fast developing economy, strong political leadership, resourceful manpower, and huge consumer market.
A nation not to be taken lightly, it is very wise for the United States to continue to improve its relations with China in the future.
Emily Yeh
Senior vice president and regional director of United Commercial Bank
I believe the relationship between the United States and China has progressed from mainly an individual and critical manner to a mutually cooperative and supportive attitude.
Several examples support the positive relations between the two countries. First off, the Chinese government has bought trillions of U.S. Treasuries to support the recent U.S. economy crisis. The U.S. has in turn given China strong support amidst recent natural disasters.
They have joint efforts in the fight against world terrorism and in the North Korean nuclear threat issue. More U.S. college graduates are coming to China to seek career opportunities, while Chinese students are going to the U.S. to study.
With China having the world’s biggest consumer market, there is a constant flow of U.S. operations opening up in China, from the new stores selling barbie dolls to the new plants making General Motors vehicles. Likewise, China continues to be one of the biggest exporters of manufacturing goods to the U.S.
I believe all of these positive trends will continue to create a win-win situation for both the U.S. and China in the future.
Ming Zhang
Senior partner of MulvannyG2 Architecture
As two [of the] most powerful countries in the world, the U.S. and China need each other! The world needs them in a healthy relationship.
When both countries enjoy a friendly relationship, not only the people from both countries will benefit from it, but the whole world will benefit from it. The future has to be brighter.
But due to the cultural and political differences, there will always be ups and downs in building toward a stronger relationship. ♦
Assunta Ng and Stacy Nguyen contributed to this report.
Leslie Yeh can be reached at info@nwasianweekly.com.