China is a hot topic in Washington. Its currency, exports to the US, oil interests and military capabilities have all been significant issues in Congress. While these concerns are important and real, none of them should stand alone. Each is part of a larger and more complex US-China ­relationship. In that light, today’s overheated US rhetoric over China needs to be tempered with sound judgment and wise long-term considerations.

The future of the US-China relations is not preordained. Both competition and co-operation will feature in US-China our bilateral ties in the 21st century. That does not mean we are destined to have a hostile relations are destined to be hostile...although they we could be if we mishandle this critically important relationship. mishandled. The US has an opportunity to shape a co-operative relationship with China that would allow us us to influence China’s overall strategic choices. It would be a colossal mistake if America allowed misguided assumptions, rhetoric and actions became led to drive us into a self-fulfilling prophecy and led to of a dangerous and conflicted relationship. This is not a time to let paranoia chart the course for US policy toward China. that will influence prospects for much determine global peace and prosperity. in the 21st century.