India special, but China 'most important' for Hillary

WASHINGTON: Leading Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton says while India as an emerging power has a special significance for the US, its ties with China will be its most important bilateral relationship.

"In Asia, India has a special significance both as an emerging power and as the world's most populous democracy," said the former first lady outlining her position on global issues in Foreign Affairs magazine published by a leading US think tank.

As co-chair of the Senate India Caucus, she recognised the tremendous opportunity presented by India's rise and the need to give the country an augmented voice in regional and international institutions, such as the UN, Clinton said.

"We must find additional ways for Australia, India, Japan, and the United States to cooperate on issues of mutual concern, including combating terrorism, cooperating on global climate control, protecting global energy supplies, and deepening global economic development," the senator from New York said.

However, Clinton thought Washington's 'relationship with China will be the most important bilateral relationship in the world in this century' despite vastly different values and political systems.

"Even though we disagree profoundly on issues ranging from trade to human rights, religious freedom, labour practices, and Tibet, there is much that the United States and China can and must accomplish together."

"China's support was important in reaching a deal to disable North Korea's nuclear facilities," she said, suggesting that Washington should build on this framework to establish a Northeast Asian security regime.

But China's rise is also creating new challenges, Clinton said, noting the Chinese have finally begun to realise that their rapid economic growth is coming at a tremendous environmental price.

The US should undertake a joint programme with China and Japan to develop new clean energy sources, promote greater energy efficiency, and combat climate change as part of an overall energy policy requiring a dramatic reduction in US dependence on foreign oil.

"We must persuade China to join global institutions and support international rules by building on areas where our interests converge and working to narrow our differences. Although the United States must stand ready to challenge China when its conduct is at odds with US vital interests, we should work for a cooperative future," she said.

On climate change, Clinton suggested that the US reengage in international climate change negotiations and provide the leadership needed to reach a binding global climate agreement after first restoring its own credibility on the issue.

Rapidly emerging countries, such as China, will not curb their own carbon emissions until the US has demonstrated a serious commitment to reducing its own through a market-based cap-and-trade approach.

US must also help developing nations build efficient and environmentally sustainable domestic energy infrastructures, Clinton said suggesting creation of formal links between the International Energy Agency and China and India and create an "E-8" international forum modelled on the G-8.

"This group would be comprised of the world's major carbon-emitting nations and hold an annual summit devoted to international ecological and resource issues," she said.

Summing up her position, Clinton said the next US president "will have a moment of opportunity to reintroduce America to the world and restore our leadership.

"To build a world that is safe, prosperous, and just, we must get out of Iraq, rediscover the value of statesmanship, and live up to the democratic values that are the deepest source of our strength," she said.

To achieve the world it wanted the US must face up to an unprecedented array of challenges in the twenty-first century, threats from states, non-state actors, and nature itself, Clinton said.

"The next president will be the first to inherit two wars, a long-term campaign against global terrorist networks, and growing tension with Iran as it seeks to acquire nuclear weapons. The United States will face a resurgent Russia whose future orientation is uncertain and a rapidly growing China that must be integrated into the international system.

"Moreover, the next administration will have to confront an unpredictable and dangerous situation in the Middle East that threatens Israel and could potentially bring down the global economy by disrupting oil supplies. Finally, the next president will have to address the looming long-term threats of climate change and a new wave of global health epidemics," Clinton said.