The Group of Two that could change the world By Zbigniew Brzezinski

[D-Mack]

The Group of Two that could change the world
By Zbigniew Brzezinsk
Published: January 13 2009 19:44 | Last updated: January 13 2009 19:44

When President Jimmy Carter sent me to China in 1978 to initiate the secret negotiations that resulted in the normalisation of US-China relations, only 1,200 foreigners lived in Beijing; just the other day 1,100 American officials moved into the new US embassy – and it is estimated that 150,000 foreigners now live in the city. Our world is different, better and safer because of that normalisation.

It precipitated almost from the start security co-operation that has been of genuine benefit both to the US and China. The effect was to change the cold war’s global chessboard – to the disadvantage of the Soviet Union. Indirectly, the normalisation facilitated Chairman Deng Xiaoping’s decision to undertake a comprehensive economic reform. China’s growth would have been much harder without the expansion in US-Chinese trade and financial relations that followed normalisation.

What is the current geostrategic status of the US-China relationship?

An article in Liaowang magazine (July 14 2008) describes the relationship as one of “complex interdependence”, in which both sides evaluate each other in pragmatic and moderate terms and in which “the two sides can compete and consult within the existing international rules”. To be sure, a globally ascending China is a revisionist power in that it desires important changes in the international system but it seeks them in a patient, prudent and peaceful fashion. Americans who deal with foreign affairs especially appreciate the fact that Chinese strategic thinking has moved away from notions of a global class conflict and violent revolution, emphasising instead China’s “peaceful rising” in global influence while seeking a “harmonious world”.


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But to promote all that we need an informal G2. The relationship between the US and China has to be a comprehensive partnership, paralleling our relations with Europe and Japan. Our top leaders should therefore meet informally on a regular schedule for personal in-depth discussions not just about our bilateral relations but about the world in general.

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http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d99369b8-e...0779fd2ac.html

What is it going to be this time ? Chimerica through thick and thin ?

[Uno]

Re: The Group of Two that could change the world By Zbigniew Brzezinski

Thanks for the post. G2 is a great idea. Depression or not, the potential of a China is unreal. I just cannot see China stopping and turning inwards again.

In general, I'm investing 50% China, 50% USA.

Economic history of China:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_China

"China was not only the largest economy for much of recorded history, but until the 15th century, it also had the highest income per capita — and was the world’s technological leader."

[D-Mack]

Re: The Group of Two that could change the world By Zbigniew Brzezinski

Thanks for the post. G2 is a great idea. Depression or not, the potential of a China is unreal. I just cannot see China stopping and turning inwards again.

In general, I'm investing 50% China, 50% USA.

Economic history of China:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_history_of_China

"China was not only the largest economy for much of recorded history, but until the 15th century, it also had the highest income per capita — and was the world’s technological leader."

It surprises me that nobody is talking about the paper money thing, although I'm not sure how much it contributed.

The Chinese make light Work of Payment: The Invention of Paper Money

Around 650 AD, the emperor of China began to issue paper "value tokens" for general use. As Marco Polo reported enthusiastically in 1275, "I tell you that people are glad to take these tokens, because wherever they go in the empire of the great Khan, they can use them to buy and sell as if they were pure gold".

http://www.gi-de.com/portal/page?_pa..._schema=PORTAL

[c1ue]

Re: The Group of Two that could change the world By Zbigniew Brzezinski

China invented paper money, and also experienced first hand inflation.

That's why the economy was silver based when Britain started the Opium Wars.

[metalman]

Re: The Group of Two that could change the world By Zbigniew Brzezinski

China invented paper money, and also experienced first hand inflation.

That's why the economy was silver based when Britain started the Opium Wars.

based on the mexican silver peso!