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  "authors": [
    "Ashley J. Tellis"
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Source: Getty

In The Media

A Healthy China-U.S. Relationship Is Important for India and Asia

President Trump and Xi Jinping must focus on building personal chemistry and having an honest discussion of their world views.

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By Ashley J. Tellis
Published on Apr 5, 2017
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South Asia

The South Asia Program informs policy debates relating to the region’s security, economy, and political development. From strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific to India’s internal dynamics and U.S. engagement with the region, the program offers in-depth, rigorous research and analysis on South Asia’s most critical challenges.

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Source: CGTN

Speaking on CGTN’s The Point, moderated by Liu Xin, Carnegie’s Ashley Tellis argued that during Xi Jinping’s visit with Donald Trump, the two leaders should focus on building personal chemistry and a general understanding of their worldviews.

He went on to discuss how an improving relationship between the United States and China can bring stability to the region, which could benefit countries like India. Right now, countries feel torn between the two nations, but there are opportunities to be gained from maintaining an economic relationship with both.

That being said, Tellis continued, Trump’s “America First,” strategy could cause challenges for many in the region, especially in terms of bilateral economic relations, as the United States may begin requiring more reciprocity. But on average, he said, India will likely gain from “America First,” because there is a general consensus that maintaining a good relationship with India is essential for maintaining balance in Asia.

Tellis concluded by arguing that China is likely perceived as a greater threat in India than it actually is, and that all countries must be open about their plans and actions to build trust in the region.

This interview was originally broadcast by CGTN.

About the Author

Ashley J. Tellis

Former Senior Fellow

Ashley J. Tellis was a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

    Recent Work

  • Paper
    Multipolar Dreams, Bipolar Realities: India’s Great Power Future

      Ashley J. Tellis

  • Commentary
    India Sees Opportunity in Trump’s Global Turbulence. That Could Backfire.

      Ashley J. Tellis

Ashley J. Tellis
Former Senior Fellow
Foreign PolicyNorth AmericaUnited StatesSouth AsiaIndiaPakistanEast AsiaChina

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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