U.S. vs. China: Don’t Call it a Cold War

U.S. and China depend on each other. Reality is, the U.S. depends on China, says Bilahari Kausikan, former Permanent Secretary for Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
by Erika Filter, National Press Foundation
As the trade war between China and the U.S. continues to dominate headlines, it’s clear the relationship between China and the U.S. has changed. But China and the U.S. are still connected, whether they like it or not, says Bilahari Kausikan, the former Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore. He explains why China and the U.S. are not heading on a trajectory toward war; they’re returning to the default state of international affairs.
U.S.-China competition is not the new Cold War. “There are some superficial similarities between U.S.-Soviet Union competition, but they are superficial,” Kausikan said. The Cold War was between two countries largely removed from one another. The Soviet Union operated its own economic system that was only relevant in specific sectors, like energy. China, on the other hand, is a mixed capitalist economy with socialist characteristics. “China and the US are both vital, irreplaceable parts of one global system,” Kausikan said.
As the two countries continue to compete, they will lessen their interdependence by partially bifurcating industries, especially high-tech industries. “It’s already happening, and there’ll be more bifurcation in these domains, mainly high-tech with national security implications,” Kausikan said. “But I find it very impossible to imagine this whole thing completely split into two separate systems.”
The U.S. is also diversifying its supply chains to lessen its dependence on China, while China bolsters its domestic resources to become more self-sufficient. “Both strategies are unlikely to succeed to the extent that those who pursue them would like,” Kausikan said.
U.S.-China relations have moved from engagement to competition. Since 1972, “the emphasis of US-China relations was on engagement,” Kausikan said. Now, despite visits from high-level U.S. officials like Janet Yellen, the emphasis is on competition. “Engagement is not going to cease completely because neither side, I think, is really looking to get into a fight,” Kausikan said. “But the overall emphasis is on competition. This is now a new structural feature of international relations.”
The shift isn’t solely due to the pandemic, though. “Even if there was no pandemic, there would have been the same issues,” Kausikan said. “Perhaps the only effect of the pandemic was to accelerate things a little bit and accentuate things a little bit.” Competition is the “more historically normal state of relations,” Kausikan said.
China is a communist country. China has strains of Han nationalism and socialist tendencies, but it is communist at its core. Communist control gives China an advantage in that essentially, it does not have a private sector. While the private sector exists in name, it must follow party orders. “So they essentially have one national balance sheet which gives them much more scope than a normal country to shuffle funds around indefinitely,” Kausikan said. “It’s playing whack-a-mole, and it’s postponing things, but they can do it much longer than anybody else.”
One downside of China’s communist system is that economic efficiency and economic control-which communist states like China are accustomed to-are fundamentally opposed. “Under Xi Jinping, the emphasis has been clearly more political control, more party control, more party discipline, more party control over the economy and so on,” Kausikan said. This approach has led to slow growth in China.
Climate change is unlikely to spur cooperation. “Irrespective of the kind of system, whether it’s a democratic system or authoritarian system, dealing with climate change confronts all politicians, all kinds of politicians or political systems with a fundamental dilemma,” Kausikan said. Addressing climate change domestically requires huge investments with unclear, far-away returns. “Now, for any kind of politician, this is not a winning equation,” Kausikan said. “You put that all together, the prospects of international collaboration, the immediate imperatives are always going to overwhelm the long-term imperatives.
Speaker: Bilahari Kausikan, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore
Takeaways, transcript and resources: nationalpress.org/topic/us-ch...
This fellowship is part of an ongoing program of journalism training and awards for trade coverage sponsored by the Hinrich Foundation.
This video was produced within the Evelyn Y. Davis studios. NPF is solely responsible for the content.

[@alvinwong1856]

He knows very little about China, many of his views are BS.

[@charliecheng3340]

Spot on ! You can tell a genuine from a fake

[@arunsar7893]

Could you point to a few?

[@yellowbird1170]

​@@arunsar7893. The fact that he neither speaks or read Chinese means he gets his views and info from western media. This guy is a fake.

[@slaw2224]

He has never bothered learning more about China and it’s people, his ‘expertise’ has always been based on western narratives, unlike some of his Singaporean counterparts who are truly educated and humble.

[@charliecheng3340]

What is his ethnicity . He is the one that got away

[@GlobalSoutherner-pr1gl]

Xi's reforms look on the outside as merely aimed at control but it is not control for its own sake. Political control is necessary to keep capitalist forces in check, because when left to their own devices they tend to dominate everything. One good example is the growth of the military industrial complex in the US and the deepening of "lobbying" which makes a privileged few the true (though silent) political majority. In a non-western country like China, foreign investment also means the importation of foreign values, and not all of them are desirable, yet when commercialised they become hard to resist. In short, yes there is an economic price to pay for maintaining political control over the economy, but if the country values the benefits of control more, who are we to judge? Why should we presume we know better what is good for the Chinese?

[@pr0newbie]

Not only that you look at the CIA's modus operandi at destabilising a country and it's obvious why Xi did what he did, while also being very strict on corruption and the govt's integrity.

[@Somerandomguy-pv1pl]

If you don’t trust the capitalists, which is the private sector, you don’t trust the Chinese people. You trust the state, the party over the people. The country values control over economic development? Oh is that so? Who represents the country? The Chinese people or the paramount leader?

[@brianchee1968]

Keep living in your world then.

[@mengelmoesNL]

Maybe China should have democratic vote and open free debate on it? lol.

[@GlobalSoutherner-pr1gl]

@@mengelmoesNL When and where has "democratic" debate ever delivered "the will of the people"?

[@pr0newbie]

This man is either utterly brainwashed by western concepts and academia or a CIA asset. Or maybe some Chinese in his kampung gravely offended him.

[@johnchang1226]

Why he could become a permanent secretary?

[@4-SeasonNature]

What do you expect of so many people like him?

[@NoohCee]

Full of presumptions. Driven by ideology rather than being objective and facts based.

[@choonhockong8215]

Could be brainwashed by Western influence. We want geopolitical analysts to be objective and fair reporting.

[@johnwong4424]

I disagree. He is well connected, has more information than us. His comments on Taiwan is spot on.

[@ruiqisg]

A men with mysterious confident commenting on many things he don't understand.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

and you have full clairvoyance? lol... Or is it because he is not 'Chinese' so he 'cannot' understand? Ridiculous.

[@ansa336]

I am sorry he is a trickster.

[@jonwijaya8539]

Bilahari is just all propaganda, no substance. How can this creature be taken seriously?

[@scbchong6964]

Actually you are the dumb one. Bilahari is advising the journalists to beware of the propaganda from USA politicians and media.

[@pr0newbie]

I think he just fully believes Western propaganda and academia. And maybe in the past some Chinese in his kampung offended him.

[@scbchong6964]

@@pr0newbie Bilahari is stating a balanced, realistic view of China's reactions to Trump and Biden presidency. And pointing out USA propaganda. You are lacking in listening comprehension and obviously not working as a trade journalist.

[@jonwijaya8539]

@@scbchong6964You must be kidding if you think this is balance. What he mentioned are all bias western talking points.

[@scbchong6964]

@@jonwijaya8539 He is stating facts, not feelings. And he does drive home the point that there is heavy propaganda and lies from USA politicians. And he does emphasise China does not want violence to reunify Taiwan. Are you working in civil service or a trained journalist? Or you blind, ignorant, misinformed fanboy?

[@hdvoice]

He assumes China is stupid investing in BRI projects and never went to find out the logics behind China’s investment. That’s very smart.😅

[@willweng305]

There are obvious reasons behind throwing 'loan' to foreign country, relabeling it BRI. The obvious scheme is called money laundering for political elites who approved the project to send Chinese companies (who give kicks back to corrupt officials) working there, and whether lending country pays back the loan or not is besides the point. The term for every loan is to use exclusive Chinese Enterprise Companies, they careless about delivering economic growth for anyone else.

[@ansa336]

I am sorry to say the man is a fool!

[@sels56-36]

He clearly stated that there is dual use or alternative purposes intended

[@hdvoice]

@@sels56-36 And that’s all the logics….. Military purposes is why China invest in BRI?

[@soonpohtay4794]

People who dont read Chinese cannot really give us an indepth analysis of China.

[@scbchong6964]

I think you are the biased one. Bilahari is asking the journalists to be aware of propaganda and misinformation from USA politicians.

[@PeterSzeto-es6em]

Couldn't disagree with you more, @soonpohtay! 95% of China commentators or experts don't speak Mandarin, don't read Chinese, and know bugger all about China. 😮

[@xinzhang6729]

except kishore Mahbubani

[@hangtuah888]

This clown thinks he is an authority on China and Chinese governance.

[@donaldjoseph3903]

​@@xinzhang6729and all non Chinese people who share Kishore's ideas

[@KuahChoonHian]

I enjoyed this very much.. using good data to illustrate a balanced view 47:26

[@tonytan6547]

Mr.Bilahari 's thoughts were rather outdated. Old dogs don't learn new tricks

[@sureshnaidu201]

Why? Because you disagree with him means he is wrong?

[@tonytan6547]

It is up to others to see whether he is right or I am right with the facts before n after(Later) rationally n objectively . In fact Singapore's modernisation itself is not exactly westernisation. That is why the West/US never appreciates Singapore's "democracy " /modernisation Ther are countries that had Westernised for more than a hundred years .Have they advanced a lot ?@@sureshnaidu201

[@mokhtaramran7041]

@@tonytan6547 A lot of people in the 'West' don't even know where Singapore is let alone have an opinion on its democracy. You act so worldly but in truth you are shallow. Doubt you even finished his talk.

[@SherrelLim23]

I would suggest he get schooled by Kishore Mahbubani

[@ct9245]

@@SherrelLim23. They works as a pair , sound musics to east and west ears , this is known as the south east asian shadow puppets show

[@Banmuyuan]

What about Huawei’s Mate 60 Pro? Did they just mAde a breakthrough in chip technology?

[@wangjinwen7708]

Perm secs are domain experts. dun really understand most whats hes talking about

[@wf645]

That is why he is ONLY a PS and nothing more. Unlike Yeo a minister and Kishore the Ambassador.

[@leoncioco3305]

Interesting topic, but bad audio.

[@themowgli123]

"Han nationalism with socialist characteristics" well said

[@henryyip1]

ASEAN scholars have condemned him as cia agent. No need further elaboration

[@mokhtaramran7041]

How many times you want to post? And I condemn you as a CCP bot.

[@JonKino828]

Very emotionally bias, unsubstantiated claims. Much like parroting western talking points.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Why? Because his jokes were colder than truth? So what are western talking points? Is it in English, Deutsch or Française?

[@JonKino828]

@@mokhtaramran7041 to be honest, it always amazed me that in this day and age, there are still people who believes in the western propaganda.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

@@JonKino828 and it amazes me that people think the west is one single entity. Competition between the western nation their internal institutions is widespread.

[@JonKino828]

@@mokhtaramran7041 there may be competition. But there is only one nation with any say. Even all powerful Germany is reduced to nothing.

[@raymondteo2611]

I’m Singaporean, we all understand as a human beings over a thousand years we haven’t learn I freaking thing so that means we are all doomed. No surprises here!!

[@CC-dx6bc]

Very KL

[@PKVeteran]

Large assumption: the US and China will not fight.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

What the hell are you rambling about? "Black slaves"? This is not the 19th century lol.

[@eymeeraosaka2954]

Bilahari analysis on China is music to the ears of the Collective West....🤣😂

[@sword7872]

He used to be a lot worse but now has toned it down by saying a few general negatives about the US eg. that the Iraq war was a mistake. The Iraq war was pure evil. And they jailed Julian assange for publishing the evidence.

[@ansa336]

The man is so naive! It is shocking. As I have said somewhere else, he cannot polish Professor Kishore Mahbubani's shoes. Calling Italy and China two mafias running a port in Italy/.

[@fluritho3486]

I don't think it is fair to depict it as competition when the runner literally just shoot his opponent's feet instead of trying to run faster. Mangkuk

[@russiasucks7170]

Occum’s razor !!!!! Wonderful

[@shencheanglow3726]

One makjor error in the talk is the description of long term relationship of mainland China and Taiwan. Chinese history are punctuated with seperatists war and unification, since time immemorial. And we all know that is natural. When one is prosperous, one have lots of friends and relatives, vice versa. As LKY ones said, Taiwanese leaders shouldn't make it too difficult for taiwanese to embrace unification, in whatever way, by playing with rhetoric to no end.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

So 20+ million people should just lie back and let the CCP take away their hard earn freedoms which they have fought for? Unification can happen thru fedaralisation also. How many times in mainland history did the unpredictable happen? Did Cao Wei, Shu Han or Dong Wu unify China? It was Jin. It took Qing 150 years to gain control of their southern coast. And so on... The imperial age is gone... so why could they not unite in a different system altogether? Stop cherrypicking history please...

[@Penaming]

Highlight of the session. "Don't be corrupt."

[@Tl7121]

His anti China rhetoric is clear, in his words about port operation in Italy "let the 2 mafias.." one being Italy's mafia and the other the is China....

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Butthurt? It was hilarious. If you don't get that insight and only look at it as a shade.... then you can't think outside of your ass.

[@ansa336]

He can not pulish Professor Mububani shoes!

[@dylans6591]

The guy's a joker who can't control his outburst for a former diplomat.🤣

[@henryyip1]

ASEAN scholars have condemned him as cia agent. No need further elaboration

[@pr0newbie]

​@@henryyip1any sources? Would love to share.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

You have sight but cannot see. You have hearing but cannot hear.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

@@henryyip1 Who are these ASEAN scholars? Your ass and fingers? My ass and fingers condemn you as CCP bot!

[@FT-ql7lc]

Intellectual dishonesty

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Point to me where are the honest people in bureaucracy and governance.

[@winglo1697]

Not a COLD war; you want a HOT one????

[@adminsystem1890]

Somebody help to pull the thing out, which he is keeping in his mouth... and tell him speak with respect, keep his hand out of his pocket and get some motherly affection

[@mokhtaramran7041]

People have different mannerism and maybe disabilities or sickness we might not know. Maybe you are the one who need to learn some respect and tolerance.

[@harryloo8544]

why censored this part? 1:02:07

[@djqiao1187]

private sectors have to follow Baiden instead of the market rules. that's really private ?

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Executive orders are unconstitutional. But outside of it... can i kill someone in my private property? So laws apply to private spaces. Can think before you type and hit enter?

[@NoohCee]

Listen to him with a pinch of salt.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Maybe try to understand his points first.

[@alitheia4946]

Got the wrong guy.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

The world is better with less people like you.

[@johnlim8991]

Mr Kausikan, your talk was frank and informative as a whole. However, I am of the view you have by and large intentionally turned your talk into a discussion on the unfavourable aspects of China's various initiatives such as Belt and Road. At one point, you did mention that the Chinese Government is not stupid because they did acknowledge errors of certain policies and were willing to rectify. In this regard, you also mentioned it was a mistake USA invaded Iraq; it was a mistake USA declared war on terror; but you also said USA rectify them. Did USA do that? Did USA acknowledge and apologize to the people of Iraq and also to the world for telling a Big Lie together with UK? Answer is NO. Has US government ever acknowledged earnestly any form of mistakes in their foreign policies that harmfully affected other countries? Answer is NO. It is very unfortunately the world has by and large allowed the proliferation of the US currency as an international reserve currency which effectively allowed this Sick USA to simply print money whenever and however the US government chooses? This is not mentioned at the talk? You only said to the effect that US currency is sickeningly irreplaceable.

[@riflerangeroad]

If, you're able to see him as a CIA asset, then, you'll be able to see where he"scoming from.

[@johnlim8991]

@@riflerangeroad Thank you for alerting me. I was keeping an open mind.

[@ggc7318]

CCP is a one party system. All checks and balances are covered up. I agree, USA has had made political mistakes;some like those you mentioned.Those mistakes are discussed openly inside and outside the USA all the time, and no one is ever stopped or censored by the USA government.

[@henryyip1]

ASEAN scholars have condemned him as cia agent. No need further elaboration

[@johnlim8991]

@@henryyip1 Noted. What then is Mr Kausikan up to giving such talks? To brainwash Singaporeans?

[@AndrewLimCM]

Outdated view

[@mokhtaramran7041]

From someone who didn't finish... maybe your brain is outdated.

[@hegehypo5914]

An outdated ex Spore government (1995-8 Permanent Rep to UN) official who thinks he understands today complex geopolitics but his level of understanding is really pretty shallow. Considering his mother is a Chinese and yet his understanding of Chinese culture and ideology is so low shows his upbringing is pro western (which I don't blame her as that's quite common in Spore)

[@mokhtaramran7041]

And you know so much. Even the Chinese do not know and have forgotten their culture and history.

[@ct9245]

They are part of SG policy making

[@tonytan6547]

This talk is rather shallow with those questions

[@gariochsionnach2608]

It seems Mr Kausikan is no subtle economist. Things Western, or not ... are not all the same ... There are Western and then there are Western ... Financial ("post-industrial" / deindustrial) or rentier capitalism is not the same as industrial / product capitalism (of the "classical" economics of Adam Smith, Ricardo ... & Marx).

[@orangutan4696]

In mafia US'S book, that those who do not kowtow to uncle Sam are all public enemies of the world.

[@sels56-36]

What an excellent roundup! So good to be able to benefit from his experience and perspective

[@skydragon23101979]

He is sharp and logical but I think he is too short term in his thinking. He is unable to consider stuff that might be a surprise. His assumption and world view is that the world progress and development is very linear and not exponential.

[@djqiao1187]

in China, any private has to follow the rules and laws instead of so-called the Party

[@Johndoe-ob1]

Economy is the hardest advisory that is to date 😢

[@Nano-nb8ep]

This guy is highly prejudiced, not a real China expert.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Some China expert are so good that they say nothing at all.

[@kahlunchan927]

Yes, he did not mention US side!

[@choonhockong8215]

He doesn't know China history well. Western educated and have not been to China to see the latest development in China. I hope the US should not be playing international policing in the South China Seas and Taiwan independence. Worse, the Nato countries wanted to get Japan to form Nato East. Wars, the entire world suffer.

[@ruifenghuang1029]

I think he will be equally critical, did not discuss India or Europe either. Undiplomatic is in the title

[@yellowbird1170]

​@@ruifenghuang1029. This chap wil literally lick western boots. He's full of love for the west

[@ggc7318]

@yellowbird1170 ...and you prefer Xi Jinping's made in China boots. That's fine.Different people have different tastes 🙂

[@yellowbird1170]

​@@ggc7318. Is that the best you can come up with. Say something intelligent, I might consider a proper reply

[@louisewaltu5142]

Sri Lanka is not part of india is a sovereign state correct me

[@digochang]

He was wrong about many things of China

[@aave865]

So sucking up to China is the right thing to say?

[@user-mj9tr3ym5t]

​@@aave865no being neutral is dichead

[@ianrobertson1343]

What he says really makes sense

[@yellowbird1170]

​@@ianrobertson1343That's because you are equally ignorant about China. Anybody that follows the development of China will know he is full of shit

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Many people get things wrong about China. It is only natural. Because even China gets things wrong about herself too.

[@kenyup7936]

Our country China even isn’t competition with the US, coz we don’t have that leverage you know, as a software engineer in China, I learned that lesson when president trump was a sitting president, which comply the rules that not steal the intellectual properties,I personally followed the US rules which not using pirated software, I use opened source free libraries as well as free IDE, if I have to use paid version, I definitely pay for it too

[@franknjamen3044]

U can seee how happy he's when he talk about the Gangsta. China will surprise u ? Always predicting worst for China 🇨🇳 but the future will tell

[@genova4485]

Did he said America is more about the rights of individual ? Is he talking about the individual rights if the special interests or the homeless people in America?

[@gariochsionnach2608]

But ... for that matter who amongst the G7 or the West is/are "unqualified success ... [or] brilliant at governance either"!!! Lol!

[@sleo3720]

Not much analytical skills Rather shallow coverage of geopolitical situations shrouded in conclusive propaganda mostly for entertainment value

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Propaganda? Like when he threw shade on everybody?

[@charlielou2280]

This guy name Bilahari is bad mouth about China not his uncle Sam. Why he talks about US VS China all he talks about is China is bad. He's totally BS

[@mokhtaramran7041]

All the people critical of his didn't even listen. They are just projecting what they think he said and not what he said. Worst are the people calling him a CIA operative. They are literally questioning his loyalty to Singapore and saying Singapore is so incompetent to let foreign actors in their government instititions. They open their mouths without thinking of the implications.

[@ruifenghuang1029]

How's your response any less of a projection on what his critiques/bashers. If you are defending his loyalty, you know, give some credentials. Given that this is an US organization, here is some news for you. In US politicians can be loyal to certain interests groups and these interest groups can have the overall best interest for US but not resulting in something great for American people. Like the War on Drugs, US still accounts for the most opioid death and it has doubled since 2010

[@mokhtaramran7041]

@@ruifenghuang1029 What garbage did you vomit out! Really you are conflating lobbying with what he is doing? And lobbying is a form of partitioning the government. Furthermore, his talk was more than an hour long. The comments were a sentance or two. And many whom were 'critical' said it was western propaganda or he was CIA operative. What am i projecting, dummy? None of the 'critics' mention anything specific either. And why can't he speak at an American institution? Let say he was paid for his time... So? He does not need to defend himself nor do i need to give credence to my defence of him. You and your lot need to give evidence. And we who agree with his points agree with Kishore too. We do not question Kishore's loyalty and say that his points are CCP propaganda. So he is selling his books in China... good for him! Does it mean he is a CCP operative? NO!

[@donaldgraham6414]

Cold War is a good thing. It is the best alternative we have to hot war.

[@IeKhingThio]

😅

[@ranx9078]

A Malay economist educated in the west certainly has his own views.

[@kennethyeung7087]

Nope, he is our local boy but his good friend was the US permanent rep to the UN, a war monger that trump refused to appoint to any position.

[@stevenlim9640]

he indonesian lah

[@ranx9078]

@@stevenlim9640 I see. Not that much difference.

[@tonytan6547]

To insist that Modernisation is Westernisation shows the inability to understand new concepts or self arrogance

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Did you even watch the talk? Or you use your ass to perceive the world around you?

[@NoohCee]

Full of presumptions. Driven by ideology rather than being objective and analysing facts.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Your ass is full of facts and stats you bleed them out for everyone to see.

[@wonderland2016]

I do not think the world development only have 2 models - capitalism and Soviet Union model. it sounds like the world is stalled and won't move forward. I do think between free market and central controlled market, the art of balance is still to find.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

It was a simplification on his part on the basis of the cold war. Economics and public policy still carries on.

[@willsims6748]

I am glad he is no longer in government. He sounds like an American capitalist.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Hopefully you are nowhere in position of authority.

[@Utube1024]

The problem is US want war but do not want to get themselves involve. They are meeting with S Korea and Japan but they themselves withdraw to Guam. In Singapore we call him in Cantonese Kowsikuan literally meaning shit stirrer.

[@BeelP.]

Advanced chips are indeed an area of vulnearbility for China but it will be a serious mistake to underestimate the determination and the ability of China to catch up. Given enough time China will succeed. Just look at China's space program for an example. When Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon, China was a semi medieval society. 5 decades later, China has caught up in substance and in a meaningful sense.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

And the semiconductor have about 5 to 6 important players. From glassmaker in Germany and high tech equipment maker from Amsterdam. Most working with IP originating from the USA. They have to build those industries up from scratch or do it entirely different. A rocket needed about 5 engineering solutions. The Manhattan project needed 1 specific engineering solution. To do something that someone has done is not difficult if you are as big as China. Establishing a parallel semiconductor industry is like BeiDou with 1000x the difficulty

[@hdvoice]

@@mokhtaramran7041Lol. You’ve gotta be kidding. If it’s not hard, how come a country as big as India didn’t achieve anything close to what China did. Just because China did that, together with many other technology advances, doesn’t mean other countries can do it. Engineering is not that simple, even if it was proven. Otherwise, why didn’t US or Japan make 3nm Chips?

[@adolft_official]

@@hdvoice India was responsible for Industrial revoelution in Europe as India had monopoly on steel production, look it up Wootz steel. But the current India is not Ancient India but a continuation of British Raj

[@twong6531]

He is so outdated. People in Singapore don't even bother with him. And he is invited by the press in the US!

[@pragathikumar9503]

Sane and realistic voice. People on both sides of the strategic competition should pay attention.

[@calvyncraven1141]

He is a 🇺🇲🏃🏽🐕‍🦺

[@henryyip1]

ASEAN scholars have condemned him as cia agent. No need further elaboration

[@mokhtaramran7041]

@@henryyip1 Run dog! Run!

[@ivanhoeyee5410]

Who paid you to say all these bad negatives against China ? Why don’t you discuss US massive US budget deficits and the bad debts in US banks ?

[@davidwilkie9551]

Sounds about as realistic as the situation allows. Thank you.

[@alexchua3052]

CNA is asking about troubling Chinese debt but the US has a crazy 32 trillion debt with US commercial property in crisis and regional banks with ratings downgrade! And the US is behaving exactly like China by telling their private sector for the first time what and how they can invest with the latest China tech investment restrictions.

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Both are in the same boat. But we have been surprised by how stubborn the US system has been. That is not a good thing. The longer it goes without correction the worse the fallout is. It stamps from a monetary policy of fiat currency and made worse in America case as she is the printer of the world's currency. People switching to BRICKS will just be the same old stuff. I mean where else can you go... it is all fiat system and cheap credit.

[@hongqi5734]

Everyone working for CNA has a dog collar on their neck with the Stars and Stripes logo.

[@hongqi5734]

He could be a distant relative of Modi, and he is also a staunch Hindu like Modi. It is understandable why he speaks so negatively about China. Blood is thicker than water.

[@Jason-sf8vx]

No country is irreplaceble , the competitive nature will determine which country will move up or replace the other less competitive country

[@ct9245]

Competitive means more suit to the community of civilised world.

[@jeffechoe]

A lot of this political commentators tends to forget that US fell asleep on the wheels when it comes to technologies. China was content that US held high tech sector, but now US woke up and saw what they saw at home that China infrustruture looks prettier and through envy, they try to stiffen China's progress. the chip acts has forced China into the corner and they expect China not to react like the way they treat, Iraq, Afganistan, Hawaii, Bikini Isand etc. The saying China does not hve capability is an underestimate view. It more of the Wests cant handle the reality and level playing field. Singapore has alway like this man speak in US narrative period. How about talking truth of US colonial history are higly corrupted and criminal acts in the world. a True Athouritarian is US and UK

[@mr.cosmos5199]

So sorry that I can’t help noticing his name actually exists for a real person and in such exact context. Any Chinese in Singapore who knows Malay and some crude Cantonese would think he is “ bila hari （any day)搞屎棍”

[@wf645]

the crudest word to tell a Malay is "Babi" ... but than he's not really a malay by descent.

[@detectiveofmoneypolitics]

Economic investigator Frank G Melbourne Australia is still watching this very informative content cheers Frank ❤

[@leebarry5686]

All wars are waged purposefully, mostly with goals cannot be told to the public

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Yeah everyone above 5 years old can tell what the war goals are. It is the plan to achieve them that are suppose to be secret... dummy.

[@kennethyeung7087]

For once, kausikan took a lesson from kishore before he spoke here.

[@afahmid]

Great analysis.

[@timbuktu-gov]

He's a western canine.

[@bangthingneng9433]

The world Economic was largely & traditionally fired by Global North. It has been too long in such a manner as the Global North had failed in recognising that there are certain part of these world that were being neglected. Even there are much talks about it but nothing concrete came out of it. Therefore, hitherto , these regions continue to remained backwards. China, on the other hand realising & with its new found capacity which otherwise no one would trying to bring to vigors or revivifying these long neglected regions. Exactly, BRI was an intruments to benefit the Global South & those neglected areas. We need not go further & just look at what BRI & its related machanism could bring to Global South thus far. One could visibly notice suddenly, Global South has been thrust into limelight with Economic importance so much so its also thrust them into geopolitical importance. A simple look at it, a once not so eyes catching is now catches the attentions. BRI did the jobs. Furthermore, the 5 Eurasian countries, without BRI who are going to pay attention to them. Today, these countries begin to receive much attentions. These is how the growth begins. It will florish in times just as the Global South will do. If it was not due to Trades Wars, Geopolitical tensions, Diplomatic tussles between certain countries & also Ukraine war, Sri Lankan may not failed & the world Economic will florish. All the events that came in the form of tentions had actually diverted the good resources to overcome the setback which otherwise would contribute positively & we might just observe that the new growth area could have just imerged ( Global South, Those along the Silk Roads, Eurasian, etc ). Sadly, it was distorted & retardation is expected. It may just need more time to excelerate again. An indurated BRICS formation may add to fuel its momentum, perhaps. Now the Global North that the whole world relying upon are in dire situations. The only pillar that everyone rely upon. Wouldn't that it was much better if we have severals pillars to lean on. This is Exactly what BRI could do. We are so ignorance & negligence to put ourselves relying on one direction. Today SEA , fortunately, we have China that is cushioning our growth else we may just observe joblessness are every where. Produce graduates without jobs , etc. For now, however (BRI) failed or success, it has proven somehow useful . For better world

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Ok... you just injected some marxist view with BRI topic and call it international relations. Good for you. As he said, BRI gives development to areas that are less likely to attract conventional foreign investment. So you just regurgitate a point he said as you try to highlight a flaw in his talk. Good to show you were not even paying attention.

[@JamesYuki-kh3zi]

you are right

[@hongqi5734]

Agree with you absolutely. The speaker seems to have his own agenda.

[@brianchee1968]

Very well articulated. Great insight.

[@PeterSzeto-es6em]

Give me a break!

[@brianchee1968]

@@PeterSzeto-es6em go back to your sleep then.

[@wangjinwen7708]

he is very right about the property bubble letting the air out, hence evergrant file for bankrupcy, nothing is going to save them. v highly perspective

[@ansa336]

I had thought this was US vs China instead this is full critizim of China!

[@CW-0114]

Great content and insights about the geopolitical realities instead of what is being hyped up/reported. There's a sharp high pitched tone in the audio for much of the video. Did the studio actually do quality check on it?

[@ianrobertson1343]

He makes a lot of sense,hit the nail on the head

[@sureshnaidu201]

true that

[@sugarly69]

This guy is old and talking nonsense

[@scbchong6964]

Bilahari is not that old but he definitely more learned and more global exposure than you. What jobs have you held?

[@sugarly69]

@@scbchong6964 I subscribe to learned scholars like Jeffrey Sachs, Kishore Mabubani, Richard Wolff, Lee Kuan Yew, George Yeo. That this goon is specialized in the middle east and is attempting to disect China plus that he is rarely quoted or invited to speak at international conferences says it all.

[@sugarly69]

Forgot to mention Henry Kissinger

[@mokhtaramran7041]

Yeah why don't you just randomly mention a war criminal.

[@tedzehnder961]

Lets hope that the media doesn`t rely on party politics to give the American people the facts that effect all Americans no matter who they vote for.

[@privacyhelp]

mainstream media already dead. look how they censored hunter biden's laptop, january 6, natzi in ukraine, vax injuries, etc

[@genovasei9369]

It walks like a duck. It squawk like a duck. You don't want to call it a duck. Let's call it an American salesman.😅

[@applefrothes6408]

Very thought provoking, frank, and pragmatic analysis of the current geopolitical events.

[@wangjinwen7708]

its interesting to hear this man talk, this man is incredibly interlect, this phrase completely fit 茅塞顿开

[@tanpaul2899]

con man

[@donaldjoseph3903]

Bilahari has a sharp mind.

[@summerroll7832]

What a long and disappointing presentation. He didn't realise how out of date and superficial his views and knowledge are. Very sad.

[@gancheeseng3247]

Since when Singapore appointment you ambassador ??? You off target so many times. LKW might not do that mistake

[@scbchong6964]

When is he "off target"? Bilahari is just warning the journalists to be aware of propaganda and misinformation from USA politicians, and accept that China is a vital part of world trade. Are you one of those old singaporeans who like to point finger, blame govt and hate foreigners?

[@wf645]

There is a reason why he is only a PS and not a minister level like Yeo or Kishore the ambassador. Cuz this joker fires off his mouth without thinking

[@scbchong6964]

@@wf645 "only" a Perm Sec? Citizen, what have you achieved in your career? Or you still living rent-free in your parents' HDB flat?

[@wf645]

@@scbchong6964 The same question back at you ! He's NO where near Yeo or Kishore. Granted he did not have alot of time, he was fleeting over many different topics. I've seen some of the PS to know that they're not all there by virtue of their ability.

[@scbchong6964]

@@wf645 Point finger and accusation is cheap shot lah. Are you ranked in the civil service or armed forces? I have been in private sector only. btw he has spoken facts about China trade to an audience of journalists. Are you even a trained professional journalist?

[@garyjohnstone6422]

How good is China`s military? According to the respected Brookings Institute: The Pentagon says that only 20% of her army is equipped to move about in China let alone anywhere else. Defense budget $12 Billion, 5% of USA`s. USA owns a capital stock of modern military equipment valued at over USD $1 Trillion. China`s is $100 Billion. China needs to spend $40 billion pa for a decade to project any power & she`s in no position to do that. AIR Similarly, China`s air force has a few dozen 4th generation planes & a couple of hundred 3rd gen` fighters. The rest are 1960`s and older tech`. All of America`s 3000 plus are 4th gen` & way more than 300 are 5th gen`. PLAAF pilots fall short on the important requirement of executing sophisticated aerial maneuvers during unplanned operations. China has minimal air refueling capability and surveillance, Electronic surveillance is severely limited. China`s own CCP military press described the Shenyang Shark fighter as a “flopping fish” criticizing it for not having stealth like America`s F35 Lightning fighter. ARMY A damning report. Ground force leadership, training in combined operations and morale are poor. Soldiers are semi-literate rural peasants. Heavy equipment is bad with 10% late cold war equivalent, the remainder of the force more obsolescent yet. NAVY This is a navy for which a 3 ship crossing of the Pacific to San Diego proved extremely difficult in March 1997. Essentially a brown water navy with a range of less than 1000 miles. She acquired her first aircraft carrier only to anchored her off Macao to then turn it into a recreation centre! PLAN submarines have the worst safety record in the world. Hi Tech? No, archaic. China talks a good game but possesses few such high tech weapons of any real value.

[@wf645]

Errr what you stated may be true of China's military in the 90s and early 2k. Its a very different creature now in 2023. China now possess 2 operational carrier, 3rd on final completion the 4th is in the works. The number of surface fighting ships is as much if not more than US and possess the latest offensive and defensive tech vs US cruisers. Hypersonic missiles that is capable to reach US and sink US carriers to deny close support. Plus China's 6th Gen stealth fighter (J-20) is as many as F22 and growing day by day ...

[@hongqi5734]

What you have stated about China's military strength is good enough to kick the hack out of India. This is all that matters.

[@tarang926]

One of best analysis on china.

[@chengavitch10]

Most insightful speaker on the subject on You Tube.

[@wf645]

Not even close ! Kishore is way better than this joker here !

[@mokhtaramran7041]

@@wf645 Kishore is busy selling his books.

[@DefensePoliticsAsia]

Epic analysis by Bilahari as usual! Bravo!

[@agenthex]

LOL, didn't know DPA is an amboy who thinks reciting US state dept talking points is "epic".

[@aave865]

Straight talk is what I like about BK

[@yellowbird1170]

There's nothing straight about this guy.

[@user-mj9tr3ym5t]

He is straight antichinese for sure 😂

[@mokhtaramran7041]

@@user-mj9tr3ym5t Here lies a CCP bot.

[@benet-vt6vv]

this guy didn't know china at all. he lives in his own world, not ours.

[@rbc812]

My salute to Mr Bilahari Kausikan. He is 10 times smarter than Kishore and George Yeo.

[@lktan224]

My salute to Kishore and George Yeo. This man is a China hater and pro Western.

[@rbc812]

@@lktan224 In this world no one hates China, people hates the CCP. It is only normal for them to feel that way based on the way the CCP handles international issues. For example, the CCP sided Russia on the invasion of Ukraine, bully small countries like Taiwan and the Philippines, using the so called nine dash line for military expansion. Now China's reputation is bad because of the CCP. Mr Bilahari was very frank. Kishor and George Yeo were trying to appease China using illogical reasons. For example Kishore cited the danger of nuclear war should other countries 'interfered" in the Taiwan-China issue. This sort of reason is very absurd. George Yeo said Taiwan is part of China based on the San Francisco Peace Treaty, however, no part of the treaty had clearly indicated that.

[@ranx9078]

@@rbc812Taiwanese much?