Lars-Hendrik Røer, an economics professor at the European School of Management and Technology and former chief economic advisor to the German Chancellor, published a piece in China Daily on October 10 titled “The ‘Crane of Cooperation’: Cultivating a New Mode of Sino-Western Dialogue.” Here’s an excerpt from the article:
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, as part of a delegation from the Berlin Global Dialogue Forum. It was astonishing for many of my colleagues to learn that this bustling metropolis had a population of just over 300,000 some 40 years ago. In my view, few places symbolize China’s rise as clearly as Shenzhen, which has transformed from a remote fishing village into a global technology hub in just a few decades.
Since the late 1970s, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, a feat from which the country has greatly benefited. At the same time, by actively utilizing its growing influence and adhering to international norms, China can contribute to the economic development of other regions around the world.
However, the growing tensions between China and the West have become increasingly concerning. Against a backdrop of security policies and geopolitical priorities, the rift between the West and China is widening, which troubles me greatly.
Those in the West engaging with China are becoming polarized into two camps: the “doves,” often perceived as overly friendly or even naive, and the “hawks,” who adopt a hardline stance and are prepared to retaliate. Yet, the relationship between China and the West is intricate and characterized by mutual dependence, making it inappropriate to simply embrace the approach of either side.
As I ponder the relationship between China and the West, I am reminded of another bird—the crane, which symbolizes wisdom in both Chinese and Western cultures. I firmly believe that a stable relationship based on international norms is critical for ensuring a shared path toward peace and prosperity.
So how can we take flight with the “Crane of Cooperation” amidst numerous disagreements? I propose that both sides nurture a new mode of dialogue:
First, we must deepen our understanding of each other’s economic, political, and social environments. This entails appreciating one another’s histories and cultures to better comprehend the current political and economic landscape. It also requires creating a fair competitive environment for all participants.
Secondly, we should expand existing political cooperation platforms like the G20 to better address real-world issues in a multipolar context. Clearly, including the African Union in the G20 is an important step in the right direction. In the long run, we also need to reform global governance institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, ensuring equal financing rights and fair representation.
In short, China and the West need to work together to uphold the global governance system rather than establishing separate and fragmented institutions.
Thirdly, we need to create new political and economic dialogue forums that facilitate informal discussions between the East and West across multiple levels and perspectives. We ought to identify common ground and focus on areas ripe for cooperation, such as implementing effective measures to combat climate change.
The Chinese philosopher Laozi is a well-known advocate for dialogue, frequently depicted with the image of a crane in art and sculpture. Both China and the West share the responsibility to initiate dialogue rather than move toward conflict.
