Understand more. Argue less.

Good morning. Today, we’re going to examine the unified narrative surrounding the increasingly fraught relationship between the United States and Chinese governments.

But first, we want to condemn the recent rise in violence against Asian Americans like last week’s Atlanta shooting. Today’s edition discusses the actions of the Chinese government, which shouldn’t be reflected on Asian Americans or the Asian community.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Jenna Gibson

Last week, the Biden administration held its first high-level meeting with Chinese officials in Alaska. The opening exchange featured a testy, unusually public verbal spar between the nations' representatives. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken commented that China's authoritarianism "threatens the rules-based order that maintains global security." Chinese officials responded by saying the U.S. isn’t in a position to critique other countries' security and stability while it deals with domestic turmoil.

Despite early hostility and general disagreement on cybersecurity, human rights, and other issues, the two sides did inch closer to climate change. Given that China is the world's largest carbon emitter and the U.S. is second, collaboration will be crucial to reduce global carbon emissions. Despite that, both Republicans and Democrats have pushed Biden to be more aggressive towards the Chinese government, keeping with the Trump administration's tone.

Here's what else you need to know

The Facts

• A similar response. Last week, the U.S. leveled financial sanctions against 24 Chinese and Hong Kong officials in response to the violation of political freedoms in Hong Kong. President Trump sanctioned 14 Chinese government officials for the same reason back in December. (AP, Reuters)

• Uyghur Muslim genocide. On Monday, the U.S., U.K., and Canada joined the European Union in imposing financial sanctions on China over human rights abuses. They alleged that the Chinese government is detaining, sterilizing, and committing genocide against over a million Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. China’s foreign ministry said the sanctions were “based on nothing but lies and disinformation.” (Bloomberg, BBC)

• Diplomat withdrawal. Tuesday morning, China recalled their foreign diplomats in protest over the economic sanctions. This came on the heels of a joint statement by China and Russia (also under sanctions for human rights violations), which stated, “Interference in a sovereign nation’s internal affairs under the excuse of ‘advancing democracy’ is unacceptable.” (AP)

NARRATIVES

The Chinese government has emerged as a growing competitor to the United States on the international stage. They’ve used unfair practices like currency manipulation and economic sanctions to undermine U.S. economic interests. The Biden administration cannot be complacent, especially in the face of the Chinese government’s human rights violations like the persecution of Uyghur Muslims and suppression of Hong Kong protestors.

Don’t Expect The US And China To Be Friendly Anytime Soon

China A Rare Political Issue In Polarized Times That Could See Bipartisan Cooperation, Lawmakers Say

‘Crimes Against Humanity And Genocide’: No Meeting Could Change Biden's Stance On China, Psaki Says

A Cold Welcome In Alaska: Why Did Biden’s Team Seem So Unprepared For The Hostility Of Their Chinese Counterparts?

BOTTOM LINE

What Does It All Mean?

Wherever you get your news, the latest U.S. and China story might sound surprisingly similar. Probably something like this...

You understand China's continued economic and technological progress has significant implications on global politics. You see the Chinese government consistently using underhanded tactics to advance their interests, and want a more decisive response from the Biden administration. If left unchecked, you feel that the Chinese government's violations of human rights and freedoms will only get worse.

Until 2018, the relationship between the two nations was largely one of careful diplomacy and cooperation. During the Trump presidency, economic tensions escalated. In an effort to make American-produced goods more affordable, the former President levied hundreds of billion dollars in tariffs on approximately 66% of goods imported from China. They are the United States' third-largest goods trading partner, with a net total of $558.1 billion in 2019. While those tariffs were helpful for some domestic producers, many consumers and industries in both countries endured significant costs as China retaliated with tariffs of its own. As of early 2020, U.S. companies lost $46 billion due to the tariffs. 

After last week's meeting, it's clear that the two powers' relationship will continue to be defined by competition on the international stage. Both parties in Washington agree that Biden must take firm action in response to the Chinese government. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) both voiced support for legislative action and were optimistic about bipartisan cooperation to get it passed.

In light of China's increasing technological dominance, economic coercion, and humanitarian transgressions, Biden's foreign policy might be relatively aggressive: more similar to Trump's than Obama's. The President’s own Commerce Secretary recently praised Trump's tariffs against China, calling them "effective,” despite Biden's previous criticisms of his predecessor's tariffs. According to an anonymous senior Biden official, "It is increasingly difficult to argue that we don't know what China wants. They are playing for keeps."

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IN OTHER NEWS

What Else We're Following

• The ten people who lost their lives at the King Soopers store in Boulder on Monday ranged from 20 years old to 65. They included a magazine photographer, a Medicare agent with a passion for theater, and others simply going about their days at a busy shopping plaza. Our hearts are with their families. (AP)
  
• In his first public remarks since the shooting, President Joe Biden called on Congress to "immediately pass" legislation that would close loopholes in background checks and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. (USA Today)
  
• As immigrants continue to arrive at the southern border, the Biden administration is under growing pressure to end the media blackout at border facilities where thousands of child migrants are being held. (The Hill) 
  
• Last week, Congress held its first hearing on Asian American violence in decades. The hearing comes amid what Congressional members on both sides of the aisle are calling a ‘crisis point'. (PBS Newshour - video)

Finally, some good news

Like the rest of us, chimpanzees at two Czech zoos are staying in contact via Zoom, as the zoo staff seeks to give them some company and stimulation during long hours of isolation. At least some of us haven't succumbed to Zoom fatigue quite yet. (Good News Network)

Have a great rest of your week; just don't forget to Zoom that friend you haven't talked to in a while. We'll see you next Wednesday!