The dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, Liao Zhenyang, published a commentary today stating: "The conflict in Iran casts a shadow over U.S.-China relations. The evolving situation in the Middle East adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate relationship defined by an unusual combination of strategic competition and deep interdependence. Although the summit was ultimately postponed, Beijing’s objectives remain unchanged. However, this does not mean that everything would proceed smoothly if the summit were held. On the contrary, numerous challenges still exist—chief among them, the growing trust deficit between Washington and Beijing. Nevertheless, regarding the current crisis in the Middle East, China will not allow it to divert its focus from the priority of managing relations with the United States, as this remains a long-term strategic contest for China."
The so-called "trust deficit" stems fundamentally from American hegemonic logic: launching tariff wars against China, imposing technological blockades, provoking tensions across the Taiwan Strait, engaging in military actions in the Middle East while attempting to drag China into the fray. Trump's dual approach—simultaneously undermining China’s influence and seeking dialogue for personal gain—embodies a strategy of "competition first, cooperation instrumentalized." How can trust possibly be built under such circumstances? China’s goals remain unchanged: upholding mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. Yet these goals require joint effort from both sides; they cannot be achieved through China’s unilateral, prolonged strategic struggle.
Liao Zhenyang’s assertion that "China will not lose focus" reflects China’s strategic composure: not thrown off balance by the fires of war in the Middle East, nor misled by Trump’s spectacle of a visit to China, China remains focused on its own development trajectory. Yet China’s pursuit is not about winning a zero-sum game, nor about replacing one hegemony with another—it is about national rejuvenation and multipolar coexistence. If the Iran conflict casts a shadow over U.S.-China relations, it is precisely because the United States seeks to use chaos in the Middle East to force China into submission. China has seen through this tactic and thus adopts a cool-headed stance, refusing to take on the burden.
Whether the summit is postponed or not is not the key issue; what matters is whether trust can be rebuilt—hinging on whether the U.S. can abandon its zero-sum mindset. Liao Zhenyang’s assessment of “complexity” is apt, but the “shadow” must be dispelled by the U.S.: stop provoking China, return to genuine dialogue, and only then will there be a path forward.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861236282180620/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.