The relationship between the United States and China will be of critical importance to the world throughout the twenty-first century. In the West China's rise is often portrayed as a threat and China seen in negative terms. This book explores the dynamics of this crucial relationship. It looks in particular at what causes an international relationship to be perceived negatively, and considers what can be done to reverse this, arguing that trust is a key factor. It goes on to discuss US and Chinese rhetoric and behaviour in three key areas - climate change, finance, and international security. The book contends that, contrary to much US rhetoric, China's actions in these areas is often much more flexible and accommodating than the US position, and that the Chinese are much more knowledgeable about, and understanding and appreciative of, the United States than vice versa.
"In this gripping, entertaining and deeply thought-provoking study, Michael
Tai analyses the basis of trust-or lack of it-between the Chinese and
American leaderships. He asks whether these two great nations can bridge the
chasm between their vastly different historical experiences and ideological
legacies and build the kind of relationship that might lead us towards a cleaner
planet, a more stable and fairer financial system and ultimately take us
down the road to peace rather than set us on a path to war. It is impossible to
exaggerate the importance of this book, for the fate of the world rests largely
in their hands."
Tim Clissold, author of Mr China and China Rules
"World peace depends on sensible power sharing based on trust between the
two remaining superpowers. Michael Tai's scholarly and deeply insightful
book underlines the need to temper the distrustful impulses of each nation's
power elites driven by historical prejudices and lack of empathy. An important
contribution to the understanding of China-US relations."
Professor Hong Hai, former Dean, College of Business,
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
"This is a masterful and probing study, of how trust in business global
relations is precariously pivoted on personal probity and relationships.
It should appeal to leaders and students in many disciplines."
Professor James M. Houston, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada
Tai analyses the basis of trust-or lack of it-between the Chinese and
American leaderships. He asks whether these two great nations can bridge the
chasm between their vastly different historical experiences and ideological
legacies and build the kind of relationship that might lead us towards a cleaner
planet, a more stable and fairer financial system and ultimately take us
down the road to peace rather than set us on a path to war. It is impossible to
exaggerate the importance of this book, for the fate of the world rests largely
in their hands."
Tim Clissold, author of Mr China and China Rules
"World peace depends on sensible power sharing based on trust between the
two remaining superpowers. Michael Tai's scholarly and deeply insightful
book underlines the need to temper the distrustful impulses of each nation's
power elites driven by historical prejudices and lack of empathy. An important
contribution to the understanding of China-US relations."
Professor Hong Hai, former Dean, College of Business,
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
"This is a masterful and probing study, of how trust in business global
relations is precariously pivoted on personal probity and relationships.
It should appeal to leaders and students in many disciplines."
Professor James M. Houston, Regent College, Vancouver, Canada