Former US National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster contends that the current US approach to China is a correction of policy that was implemented after the Cold War, which was based on three false assumptions regarding increased economic engagement, namely, that it would prompt China to liberalize its economy; liberalize its form of governance; and play by the international rules. These flawed assumptions were based on the insufficient weight ascribed to Chinese Communist Party emotions and ideology, which drive the Chinese leadership to act through cooption and coercion for fear of losing its absolute grip on power. Therefore, new assumptions must underlie a changed, more engaged policy, and these are: the Chinese Communist Party will liberalize neither its economy nor its government; the Party will not play by international rules; China will combine its economic aggression with industrial espionage; its strategy is to control strategic locations in order to dominate global systems; and that absent effective competition, China will become more aggressive in its economic and governance policies. These new assumptions will determine how the US engages, and can actually transform an ostensible US weakness into US strength. To this end, democratic processes must be strengthened; the rule of law must be upheld; open press and freedom of expression must be bolstered, and liberal ways of doing business must be highlighted, to show that China’s way is a liability. US complacency and activity encourages Chinese aggression; only transparent competition can prevent unnecessary confrontation.
Read The Full Speech of H. R. McMaster
The Chinese Embassy in Israel Response
China is a huge country striving to achieve modernization, and much remains to be improved through reform. We welcome all well-intentioned advice, suggestions and candid criticism from foreign friends.
However, McMaster’s speech, through trumped-up charges, slandered China's political and social system, development path and mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries. Such flagrant and irresponsible comments have exceeded the boundaries of normal academic exchange. It is nothing but an act of sowing hatred and China-phobic sentiments.
The speech attempted to alienate the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) and the Chinese people, which exposes the ignorance and arrogance towards Chinese history and national conditions.
Over the past century, China had explored and experimented on many possible paths, including the Western system at one point. But they all ended in failure because of their incompatibility with China's national conditions and needs. It wasn't until the CPC adapted the Marxist theories to Chinese realities that a path toward national rejuvenation was found.
Seventy years of history leads to the natural conclusion that this is the right path that achieved China’s national independence, industrialization and economic growth. It is hence fully and firmly supported by the Chinese people. Polls by multiple foreign institutions show that China enjoys the highest domestic support rate regarding its social system and development path among all the countries surveyed. Since it is a successful path, why should we change course? Since it enjoys the people's support, why should we give it up? To deny the CPC is to deny China's history of the past 100 years. To draw a line between the CPC and the people is to challenge the entire Chinese nation.
As readers may be aware, China is fighting a war against the novel coronavirus outbreak. The CPC and President Xi Jinping is putting people's safety and health as the first priority and mobilizing the whole country to contain and mitigate the epidemic. Such social mobilization and resolute measures are widely applauded by the WHO and public health experts across the world. China has the full confidence and capability to win this battle against the virus under the strong leadership of the CPC. It will be another footnote to the path we chose.
The world is big enough for all. China fully respects the choices of other countries about their system and path. We do not have the slightest interest in exporting our system or model. And China will not follow the beaten path of past powers that sought hegemony. It is never China's intention to change other countries. Likewise, other countries should not seek to change China. The Chinese people are entitled to a better life, and this is the only strategic intention of the Communist Party of China.
The friendship and cooperation between China and Israel is a fine example of how two countries different in size, system and culture can come along and work together to increase the welfare of their peoples. We believe China-Israel friendship is strong enough to withstand external pressure, and the Jewish people are wise enough to choose the course of action that best serves their interests.