Great Decisions Discussion Series Concludes
The U.S. and China: Understanding the Challenges

When President Joseph Biden said recently that the U.S. would defend Taiwan if the People's Republic of China (PRC) invaded, it highlighted both a simmering conflict and emerging U.S. strategies to mobilize allies. These and other issues related to the U.S. foreign policy in China will be addressed during a Great Decisions community discussion on Sunday, June 12, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Meetinghouse, 108 School St., Bennington. Access by Zoom is also available at http://bit.ly/GreatDecisions2022.

The final installment of a five-part series on contemporary foreign policy issues, the Great Decisions program is co-sponsored by the Bennington Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Participants are encouraged but not required to prepare by reading an article, "Xi's China Takes on the Quad," with a non-circulating copy available at the Bennington Free Library. The session will open with a 30-minute video on the topic produced by the Foreign Policy Association, followed by discussion.

The U.S. has a long and complicated relationship with the People's Republic of China, which is variously a strategic partner and competitor. In 1972, after decades of isolating the PRC, President Richard Nixon went to Beijing and the U.S. recognized the PRC as the "one China." In a delicate balance, Taiwan was seen as part of China, but was not to be taken over by force. In recent years the PRC has become more aggressive about Taiwan and shipping in the Taiwan Straight.

China was also at the center of an economic "war" during the Trump administration when tariffs were put in place to create economic strain for PRC.

In the meantime, the U.S. has been working closely as part of a "Quad" with Japan, Australia and India to develop a regional strategy to address China's political and economic power.

Great Decisions is free and open to the public, with returning and newcomer participants welcome.