Neil Bush, Chairman of the George H. W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations, applauded U.S. President Joe Biden for warming relations with China and considered it a very positive trend. However, he worried that the upcoming 2024 presidential election would trigger a new round of anti-China narrative, feeding people the message that China is an enemy, which could lead the two countries into a "sad and unthinkable conflict".
As the son of former President George H. W. Bush, Neil Bush shares his father's belief in advancing U.S.-China ties and is actively working on that front. During his 5th trip to China this year, Bush accepted an exclusive interview with GDToday at the Understanding China Conference to discuss the latest China-U.S. ties.
GDToday: Dr. Kissinger died on Wednesday at the age of 100. And he visited China in July. How do you perceive his role in China-U.S. relations?
Neil Bush: I saw Dr. Kissinger in September at an annual dinner for a committee on U.S.-China relations, where he received honors and recognition. He was brought out onto the center stage in his wheelchair. He had a microphone on his lapel and spoke for 10 minutes, demonstrating a clear mind and discussing the significance of the U.S.-China relationship until his very last moment. He was a strong supporter of normalized relations.
Right now, the political system rewards anti-China rhetoric, sadly. I think it will improve. I have high hopes that somebody who understands the importance of the bilateral ties in the trade relationship, in particular, will be elected president and will reduce or eliminate tariffs and encourage free trade between the two countries.
GDToday: And you are so close to this relationship that you have this true feeling…
Neil Bush: My problem is that I was here in 1975, so I've witnessed China's growth. It has been remarkable. Seeing this firsthand has left me with a strong impression that the Chinese system has worked for China, and that collaboration between the U.S. and China has benefitted both China and its people. We should take pride in that. We should also be tolerant of a different system in a different culture, and have a more nuanced perspective towards China.
I often hear people in the U.S. talking about China, and I think to myself, "I've already been to China." This is my fifth trip there this year. I know that what they're saying about China isn't true.
I don't know if you've heard of the book Destined for War by Graham Allison, but he was a Harvard professor. Based on their historical study, a lot of conflicts have arisen from false narratives and misunderstandings, particularly in regard to rising powers and the tensions that come with them — creating an enemy out of a rising power. And you can see history playing out right in front of our eyes.
As China has risen and become a more powerful force, with a larger economy, a larger military, and more influence in the world, this is seen as a threat by some people in the United States. This perception may be pushing the U.S. in a direction that could lead to conflict, which would be incredibly sad.
Reported by Jasmine
Video by Wingheng, Axin
Graphic designed by Lulu
Edited by Miao, Olivia, James
