As distrust of Beijing grows from Washington to Tokyo to Manila and Brussels, President Xi Jinping’s recent charm offensive in Europe aims to stabilize relations and address concerns over electric vehicles and chips. However, to truly mend ties, global leaders must stop conflating the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with the Chinese people. The party does not represent the aspirations of 1.4 billion citizens, and failing to recognize this misses a vital opportunity to engage Chinese youth and foster future relationships beyond Xi’s leadership.
Yet, the current environment presents challenges. A recent survey by the Pew Center reveals that for the fifth consecutive year, about eight-in-ten Americans hold an unfavorable view of China, with a significant portion expressing very negative opinions. Furthermore, confidence in Xi Jinping’s handling of world affairs remains low, with only 6% of Americans viewing China as a partner and nearly half considering it an enemy.
However, it’s crucial to differentiate between the CCP and the Chinese people. The opaque nature of the Chinese system, coupled with the party’s tightening control under Xi, has made China less attractive for business and tourism. Cracks in the party’s dominance are surfacing, particularly amid economic challenges and sporadic instances of grassroots protests, signaling growing discontent among certain demographics.
Despite Xi’s vision for rejuvenating the nation, disillusionment among young people is palpable, reflected in phenomena like the “lying flat” movement and migration to “Dalifornia.” The job market uncertainties and perceived lack of upward mobility have eroded trust in the system, even among demographics traditionally supportive of the regime.
Enhancing people-to-people exchanges could be a promising avenue for improving ties. Both Xi and President Joe Biden have expressed support for such initiatives, yet tangible outcomes remain elusive. Beijing’s aim to attract more American students to China faces hurdles such as concerns over exit bans and arbitrary detentions, highlighting underlying mistrust.
Ultimately, fostering engagement with Chinese citizens as individuals, rather than stereotypes, holds promise for building bridges and nurturing mutual understanding between nations. As we navigate complex geopolitics, it’s essential to recognize that no political party can fully represent the diverse perspectives and aspirations of an entire nation.