China-US cooperate, clash on global challenges in 2016

World Today

China-US cooperate, clash on global challenges in 2016

The year 2016 was also a sensitive year for relations between China and the U.S. The two countries cooperated on global challenges, but there were also many issues that caused friction.

CCTV America’s Jessica Stone reports.

2016 began with the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal, forged with the hard work of China, the U.S. and other world powers.

It was followed in April by the signing of the historic Paris climate deal, another globally significant agreement arguably impossible without Beijing-Washington cooperation.

The pace of teamwork between China and the U.S. was jolted by the U.S. presidential election results.

But now brash businessman Donald Trump not only promised to crack down on trade with China as the new U.S. president, but he said the U.S. was not bound by the One-China policy.

At November’s APEC meeting in Peru, concern about the future of free trade was unmistakable.

President-elect Trump has promised to dismantle the Paris climate deal and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement (TPP). Beijing came ready to pitch members on two trade agreements it is leading in the region.

Many nations are already signing onto the TPP trade pact, even as Washington looks to pull out. If those same nations move forward with alternative regional trade agreements, American workers stand to lose out.

As the White House changes hands, American policies may change, too. Beijing sees an opening to lead the global community on trade and climate policy. But there’s still work to do on cyber security, a glut of Chinese steel around the world, and China’s claim it deserves market economy status.