What we get wrong about China. George Yeo in conversation with Alex Stubb

Summary

In this thought-provoking discussion, the speakers explore the complexities of geopolitics, history, and spirituality. They delve into the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, drawing parallels to past European conflicts, and examine the challenges of reconciling national histories. The conversation extends to China, offering a unique comparison between its governance and the Catholic Church's internal structures. The speakers highlight the nuances of political authority and decision-making, aiming to provide deeper insights into global geopolitics and cultural understanding, particularly regarding China's role on the world stage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. has engaged in wars that have negatively impacted its global reputation and increased political polarization.
• 😀 The importance of addressing historical context and the complexity of geopolitics, particularly the roles of the U.S., China, and Russia, in shaping current global relations.
• 😀 The challenge of finding lasting peace after war, with societies like Germany handling their past better than Russia, which has struggled with its Soviet legacy.
• 😀 The rise of new regional players in geopolitics, like China, who are reshaping the global order.
• 😀 There is a need for nuanced understanding when analyzing China, which is often misunderstood by Westerners.
• 😀 Religion, specifically Catholicism, has parallels with Chinese governance, as both systems are based on deep historical precedent and gradual, often indirect, decision-making.
• 😀 The Catholic Church's structure, with its use of processes like voting, shares similarities with how China’s political system functions.
• 😀 The comparison between the Pope and the Chinese emperor highlights how both positions operate in a system that values continuity over arbitrary authority.
• 😀 European perspectives on China often miss the nuanced historical approach that both the Catholic Church and China share in governance.
• 😀 The broader message encourages breaking down complex geopolitics and viewing China through the lens of its historical and governance practices to better understand its global position.

Q & A

What is George Yeo's perspective on the U.S. approach to China?

George Yeo suggests that the U.S. is increasingly viewing China as a threat to its territorial integrity and global dominance, which has led to a stance of containment. He argues that this approach could lead to unnecessary conflict, particularly if an incident, such as a military clash, escalates beyond control. He emphasizes the importance of understanding China's historical and cultural context to avoid missteps.

Why does George Yeo think Europe plays a crucial role in the China-U.S. relationship?

Yeo argues that Europe's stance on China could be pivotal in preventing conflict between the U.S. and China. He suggests that Europe, due to its geographic and historical position, has the potential to balance tensions and help avoid war, as Europe is too distant to be directly threatened by China and is not inherently an adversary of either the U.S. or China.

What does George Yeo mean when he says that China is a 'conservative civilization'?

Yeo explains that China’s deep-rooted cultural and historical unity has led to a society that values continuity and stability over change. The Chinese people, he asserts, have a very strong attachment to their past, which makes their civilization conservative, and it shapes their political culture, making abrupt shifts difficult.

How does George Yeo describe the difference between China and India in terms of political culture?

Yeo compares China’s long history of political unity with India’s history of political fragmentation. He suggests that while India has never had a sustained political unity until the British Empire, China has consistently maintained a unified polity over centuries, which shapes its political culture and governance today.

What role does George Yeo think the U.S. misunderstands when it comes to China’s nature and behavior?

Yeo believes that the U.S. often misinterprets China's behavior, viewing it through a Western lens that overlooks China’s historical context and cultural principles. He stresses that China is not expansionist by nature but instead prefers stability, and its actions are often seen as reactions to perceived threats or historical injustices.

What is the significance of Taiwan in Chinese politics according to George Yeo?

Yeo states that Taiwan is seen by China as a matter of historical justice, not merely a geopolitical issue. He references the Cairo Declaration of 1943, where the Allied Powers agreed that Taiwan should be restored to China, emphasizing that for China, the issue is deeply rooted in historical legitimacy.

How does George Yeo compare China’s political system to the Catholic Church?

Yeo draws a parallel between China and the Catholic Church by pointing out that both systems are hierarchical and conservative, requiring a process of consultation and consensus before decisions are made. Just as the Pope’s authority is recognized after a lengthy process of internal deliberation, China’s leadership is seen as authoritative but shaped by historical precedence and collective agreement.

What is George Yeo’s view on China's economic future?

Yeo is optimistic about China's economic trajectory, believing that as long as the government remains effective and tackles corruption, China will continue to grow rapidly. He points to the country’s ambition to improve the standard of living for its people, suggesting that China could eventually match or surpass the U.S. in terms of economic power.

Why does George Yeo believe that China would not want to invade Taiwan despite its claims over it?

Yeo argues that China does not want to invade Taiwan because it values peace and stability. However, China cannot disregard Taiwan’s status due to its deep historical and cultural significance. If Taiwan were to declare independence, China would see it as a matter of national integrity that could lead to conflict, but China prefers peaceful reunification.

What does George Yeo think Europe should do in its relationship with China and the U.S.?

Yeo suggests that Europe should play a balancing role, maintaining relations with both the U.S. and China while resisting being drawn into an ideological conflict. Europe’s historical experience in overcoming internal divisions and creating unity through diversity can offer valuable lessons in diplomacy and conflict resolution. Europe should promote dialogue and act as a stabilizing force in the global geopolitical landscape.