In an Austin American-Statesman op-ed, EWI’s Director of Track 2 Diplomacy David J. Firestein discusses the prospects for the U.S.-China relationship in 2010.

“Mistrust is the most basic problem,” says Firestein, arguing that fundamental cultural differences are a key source of disparate viewpoints. He outlines four major challenges to the relationship: the U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, human rights, trade relations and public opinion in the context of the U.S. midterm elections.  Though challenging, Firestein remains hopeful about the U.S.-China relationship in 2010.