Zoellick on shifting Sino-US ties from competition to cooperation

Robert B. Zoellick, former president of the World Bank and former deputy secretary of state of the United States, says China and the US should strive to avoid clashes and miscalculations and emphasized the need for them to find common ground in areas such as the economy, climate change, pandemics, and more.

Zoellick, who visited China in early March, offered his insights on China's economic and technological transformations and the pivotal issues in China-US relations in an interview with China Daily.

He anticipated that both China and the US can be leaders in the field of artificial intelligence. He sees the technological developments not solely in the context of China-US competition, but also in its ability to herald a new phase for AI. While recognizing that the two countries may have differing approaches, Zoellick emphasized that innovative ideas transcend borders, paving the way for transformative developments in the field of AI.

Addressing the challenges posed by tariffs and trade barriers in the era of globalization, Zoellick said he is not a fan of tariffs, emphasizing their detrimental impact on costs and productivity. He cautioned against the use of tariffs as a negotiating tool, instead advocating for more constructive approaches to reduce trade frictions.

When discussing the export controls imposed by the US on China, Zoellick pointed out that export controls may be effective in the short term but cannot stop technological progress in other countries. He said he understands the logic for some export controls, but there is a danger because it will only lead to the creation of separate systems.

Having revisited China over the years, Zoellick said he was impressed by the changes he has seen. "China took hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. It created a great opportunity", he said.

During his tenure at the World Bank, Zoellick visited various regions of China, apart from major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. His interactions with the local people reinforced his belief in the importance of finding common ground in history, culture, and politics.

While acknowledging China's remarkable growth, Zoellick emphasized the need for all major players, including the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, and Europe, to work toward fostering a more cooperative working basis, promoting global stability and prosperity.