Event Report

The 2nd Tokyo Global Dialogue

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February 26

Opening Plenary Session: US-China Relations

The main theme of the Opening Plenary Session was conflict and competition between the US and China. Although tensions in the US-China relationship have become structural over the medium to long term, the speakers shared the view that escalation of the confrontation into a real military conflict should be avoided. It was also pointed out that healthy competition should be developed and kept distinct from all-out confrontation. From this perspective, most of the speakers from both the US and China were critical of the Trump administration, while attention was also drawn to the question of how much the Biden administration would crystallize President Trump’s clear-cut China policy.

When asked which issues between the US and China are most dangerous in the short term, all the speakers agreed on maritime issues, including the South China Sea and Taiwan. A US speaker referred to the 2001 fighter jet collision incident in the South China Sea, emphasizing that the danger is a clear and present one.

In the discussion on human rights issues, the US side expressed strong concern about the current situation in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, while the Chinese side pointed out that human rights are a universal issue not only in China but also in the US. In the discussion on the FOIP and the QUAD, it was pointed out that both the FOIP and the QUAD have strategic and economic aspects. Regarding the QUAD, the US side pointed out that responding to China had bound the four countries together, but the Chinese side countered that the framework was aimed at ensuring US strategic superiority in the region.

Regarding Japan's role in the US-China rivalry, a comment was made that it is important for Japan to lead cooperation transcending confrontation at international fora such as the one demonstrated at the G20.

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