Realpolitik in the ‘new era’ of US-China relations

Can Xi and Biden, who rose to power by being realists, put a floor to deteriorating ties?

Both Mr Xi Jinping and Mr Joe Biden reached the pinnacle of power in their country because they were realists PHOTO: AFP
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The 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the new US National Security Strategy (NSS) highlight a resurgence of realpolitik.

The dim state of China-United States relations served as a backdrop to President Xi Jinping’s latest power consolidation. Heading into the CPC conclave, the General Secretary urged party cadres to grasp “the historical position”, focus on “strategic tasks” and face problems with a “fighting spirit”.

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