G2? Let’s think it through

• Source: The Global Times
• [00:34 May 27 2009]
• Comments

Illustration: Liu Rui

By Shen Dingli

Heated debates have surrounded the so-called “G2” since day one. China and the West differ greatly on four things: Whether there is a G2? Whether it is a trap? Whether China should take more responsibility? Whether the world can accept the G2?

Those who are in favor of the idea consider it a reality that the US and China are the two dominant powers. It is not a set-up, but a simple and direct way of describing the status of international relations. The G2 exists, that’s for sure. Adapting to it and preventing the possible negative effect it could have on the rest of the globe – that’s what the world is faced with now.

Those who are opposed think it preposterous. Though they disagree on the prospect of US dominance, they agree that China isn’t quite in the same league as the US and thus the G2 does not exist. And it’s too early to put China in the spotlight.

They both have a point. Economically the US and Japan are still on top. The US and UK top others militarily. And only the US and Russia have the ability to negotiate on reducing strategic weapons. When it comes to sustainable development, the US, Europe and Japan are far more advanced than the rest.

Apparently, the US is still ahead in every single aspect, even with the current financial crisis. But China might have a shot at second place in overall performance. The largest population in the world could be a potential asset. In a year or two, China’s GDP is likely to surpass Japan’s, and its national defense expenditure could also overtake the UK. The world has witnessed China’s expanding input in education in the past decade. China is also seeing breakthroughs in science and technology, as well as innovations.

Also apparent are the shortcomings of China. Its huge population has yet to be transformed into an advantage. Even if we become the number two economic power, China’s per capita output is still small compared to Japan and the US. Modernization is placing pressures on China’s resources, environment and ecology. Our efficiency is still low and innovation still lacking. We still have a long way to go in systems-building and scientific development. Even so, many are positive about the G2. The two countries combined account for 30 percent of the world’s economy and the number is still growing even in the global recession. With one third of America’s GDP, China is highly competitive overall. If the two can cooperate in a variety of international affairs, they can complement each other, and mutually develop and benefit the world.

The world doesn’t need policing, but guidance. It seems inappropriate for any single country to take the lead, especially when gaps between countries are narrowing with globalization. The trend is for several countries to engage with one another, cooperate towards mutual development and set a good example together.

The value of the G2 is not in cocaptaining the world. Neither China nor the US can run the world, even together. The significance of the G2 lies in the conversation and mutual respect between China and the US in world affairs in order to maintain stability. On a larger scale, the two most important political and economic entities have a special role to play in the Development of mankind. They need to lead the world toward steady growth.

The US has always shown an extraordinary enthusiasm in world leadership. China’s new generation of leaders also said that “China should make a greater contribution to mankind,” indicating China’s sense of responsibility. But the world can’t force new responsibilities on China. That initiative should come from within and reflect our ability. As long as we take responsibility and improve our ability, we will get stronger. And it doesn’t matter whether or not we belong in the G2 or the G20.

The author is a professor and executive dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University. This article was translated by Xuyang Jingjing