China and Africa Jointly Building a Community of Shared Future

Editor’s Note: In July 30-31, the CICIR Forum 2018 entitled “China and Africa Jointly Building a Community of Shared Future” was held in Beijing. Chinese scholars from think tanks and universities and African officials and experts have attended the forum and discussed China-Africa cooperation and development. Some Chinese scholars’ speeches are offered to readers.

China’s Foreign Aid Policy Adjustment in the New Era

Wang Yuping

Abstract: China’s foreign aid has achieved positive results by adjustments since 18th CPC National Congress. The results mainly include improving the ability of recipient countries to develop independently, promoting further implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda in 2030, and promoting the “going out” of Chinese enterprises along the Belt and Road. At the same time, there are some new challenges. So foreign aid policy should be further adjusted. First, we adjust the concept of China’s foreign aid to meet the goal of building a community of human destiny in the new era. Second, we should strengthen cooperation with DAC to remove the assumptions behind the so-called “China threat” theory. Third, we should strengthen communication with recipient countries and fortify all aspects of the project to achieve win-win cooperation. Fourth, ameliorate China’s foreign aid assessment system. Fifth, we should disclose more information of China’s foreign aid to obtain the understanding and support of domestic people and international community.

Keywords: New era; China’s foreign aid; policy adjustment

Trump’s Grand Strategy of Conservative Internationalism

Jiao Bing

Abstract: Since Donald Trump has become the President of the United States, Trump’s grand strategy has gradually departed from the one articulated during the presidential campaign in terms of national security team, strategic documents, his own speech delivery and foreign policy making. This kind of grand strategy, rooted in conservative internationalism, lays emphasis on the significance of armed diplomacy in facing global challenges and advocates an internationalist approach to protecting regional allies and Western values, while focusing on the protection of American’s own security interests and economic interests. Conservative internationalism, different from liberal internationalism and neoconservatism, combines nationalism, realism and internationalism.

Keywords: Trump; liberal internationalism; conservative internationalism; grand strategy; America first

Trump’s Middle East Policy

Wang Jin

Abstract: Trump’s Middle East policy could be summarized as “one axis and three paths.” The main axis is uniting Israel and Saudi Arabia, and relying on the alliance, and three paths include containing Iran, counter-terrorism, and launching the deal of the century. Behind his Middle East policy is Trump’s accelerating the pace of global contraction, returning to the United States’ pro-Israel diplomatic tradition, his strong personal style and the influence of Jewish people around him. The launch of Middle East policy may not be smooth because the alliance that the United States relies on is inherently fragile, prospects of Iranian issues are unclear and the deal of the century will further destabilize the region and US-European rift will also expand. Changing these conditions requires the US to think more deeply about the Middle East and a more balanced policy.

Keywords: Trump; Middle East policy; US diplomacy

TPP Transformation and Asia-Pacific Economies’ Response

Sun Yi

Abstract: The withdrawal of the United States from TPP transforms TPP itself. Though the remaining eleven countries have signed a revised agreement of CPTPP, the new agreement is below expectations in power structure, rule criteria and benefit distribution, which leaves room for further international game among countries in Asia-Pacific. At present, the fact that the US is turning to protectionism not only adversely impacts Asia-Pacific economy, but also cracks US alliance and partnership, leading to the disunion and reorganization of Asia-Pacific power. The tendency of upgrading economic rules and the adjustment of regional powers propel Asia-Pacific countries to make better use of international institutions in a more pragmatic way, which is also a wiser choice for China to gain advantages and initiative in future games.

Keywords: TPP transformation; Asia-Pacific region; world economy; major country relations

(Edited By Zhang Yimeng)