US - CHINA BACKGROUND PAPER
June 19, 1998

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
To make a positive contribution to the improvement of U.S. China relations, the Committee of 100 has prepared a white paper on the U.S. China relationship based on the bicultural perspectives of the Committee. This paper proposes ten specific recommendations to the governments of the U.S. and China which they may take to strengthen a bilateral relationship based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

As Americans of Chinese descent, we have a natural desire to see a healthy U.S.-China relationship based on shared interests and mutual respect for the differences. We recognize that constructive relations with China are vital to the long-term interests of the United States, the Pacific region, and the world as a whole.

The Committee of 100, with the bicultural background of its membership, has a unique perspective on U.S.-China issues. This bicultural perspective, we believe, sheds much light on the origins of and the solutions to some of the misunderstandings that periodically threaten the relationship between the two countries.

At this juncture, three fundamentals problems remain which would continue to derail U.S.-China relations if not successfully resolved. First is the absence of a China policy supported by both the President and Congress. Second is the still considerable gap in understanding each other’s perspective between China and the United States. Third is the tendency to overemphasize areas of disagreement instead of focusing on vital areas of common concern.

In light of the recent positive turn of events including the impending summit in Beijing, the Committee urges Congress and the Administration to unite and to form a bipartisan China policy that emphasizes diplomacy over confrontation. In order to form a policy based on enhanced mutual understanding, the Committee recommends significantly increased exchanges not only between administrative officials but also between members of Congress with their Chinese counterparts.

The relationship between the United States and China need not be a zero-sum game. Accordingly, the Committee of 100 encourages the U.S. government as well as private American institutions to adopt the following win-win strategy, and take positive steps in the following ten areas:

• A bipartisan China policy Develop a clear bipartisan China policy that will foster positive relationships through quiet yet firm, consistent yet flexible, diplomacy rather than open confrontation. Forge a vision of a 21st century in which both countries collaborate closely on economic, strategic, and global issues to ensure peaceful development throughout the Pacific region.
  
  
• Frequent meetings with administration officials. Let the summit meetings between President Clinton and President Jiang Zemin be the catalyst, facilitating a constant stream of open and constructive dialogue on military, political, economic, educational, and environmental matters between the leaders of both nations.
  
  
• Frequent exchanges with Congress Establish and encourage regular dialogue and exchange visits between members of Congress and their Chinese counterparts, so that the great majority of members of Congress that have not been to China will have the opportunity to do so.
  
  
• Promotion of human rights. Encourage progress on human rights through quiet diplomacy and continue to encourage the release of prisoners of conscience.
  
  
• Help China with rule of law. Support initiatives that further the legal framework in China for the protection of individual and commercial rights. Facilitate greater exchange of judicial personnel and legal scholars, offer technical assistance on law enforcement.
  
  
• Encourage China and Taiwan rapport. Encourage direct dialogue between mainland China and Taiwan so that both sides may peacefully settle cross-trait issues according to their own terms. Continue to make clear that the U.S. will not interfere or take sides and reaffirm a "One China" policy.
  
  
• Promote cultural and educational exchanges. Broaden cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges as a key to improving U.S.-China relations. Encourage the expansion of Chinese studies programs at American universities as well as the expansion of American studies program at Chinese universities.
  
  
• Expand Trade and Export. Promote strong economic relations between the United States and China. In line with U.S. policy toward most other countries in the world, renew Most Favored Nation trade status unconditionally. Support the entry of mainland China and Taiwan into World Trade Organization.
  
  
• Global stability and security. Continue high level exchanges between the U.S. defense establishment and their counterparts in China leading to a permanent joint council for the purpose of conducting regular consultations on issues relating to security and stability in the Asia Pacific region.
  
  
• Environmental protection and urban development. Continue and expand the U.S.-china Forum on Environment and Development originally initiated by Vice President Gore. Promote cooperation and offer technical assistance to China in rolling back the environmental degradation that has been accompanying China’s economic expansion. Support China’s new initiatives to encourage private home ownership.

More important than the above recommendations is an overriding principle: U.S.-China relations must be based upon greater understanding of and respect for cultural differences. With mutual understanding the United States and China can forge a solid, lasting friendship and lay the foundation for peace and prosperity in the Pacific region.

President Clinton is about to take a journey that will build towards a mutually beneficial and enduring relationship. The Committee supports this endeavor and urges the American people and Congress to do likewise.