Zoellick: U.S.-China relationship 'complex'
(Chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)
Updated: 2005-09-22 11:49

For all of China's shortcomings which he listed in his speech, Zoellick said it would be a mistake to compare the country with the Soviet Union of the late 1940s.

He pointed out that China does not seek to spread "radical, anti-American ideologies" nor does it see itself in a "death throes struggle" with capitalism.

"And most importantly, China does not believe that its future depends on overturning the fundamental order of the international system. In fact, quite the reverse: Chinese leaders have decided that their success depends on being networked with the modern world," he said.

Amid rising U.S. concern over China's growing military, economic and political clout, Zoellick made a strong argument for fostering greater cooperation.

"You hear the voices that perceive China solely through the lens of fear. But America succeeds when we look to the future as an opportunity, not when we fear what the future might bring," he said.

In an apparent reference to suggestions that the United States seeks closer ties with India as a counterweight to China, Zoellick said: "We are too interconnected to try to hold China at arm's length, hoping to promote other powers in Asia at its expense."

"Nor would the other powers hold China at bay," he added.