A couple of days ago I blogged about Professor Bob’s chat with ChatGPT on US-China Geopolitics. The answers by the AI tool were so uncannily realistic that it generated many comments. Our friend, Norm Pearlstine, a prominent American editor and media executive, who has held senior positions at the LA Times, Time Inc, Bloomberg L.P., Forbes and The Wall Street Journal, jokingly remarked that “he got out of the news business just in time”.
Several others wondered what the AI answers would be, if the questions were “less China-friendly”. So I went back to Professor Bob and he happily obliged to ask ChatGPT the following tough questions on China.
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Q: Given China’s aggressive actions and pronouncements, it there any reason to believe that it will adhere to building a “community with a shared future for mankind,” as it proclaims, based on its history or culture?
A: China’s history and culture are complex and multifaceted, and it is difficult to make sweeping generalizations about how they might influence China’s behavior on the international stage. However, it is worth noting that China has a long history of placing a high value on stability and maintaining a harmonious relationship with its neighbors.
In recent years, China has made a number of aggressive moves in the South China Sea and with Taiwan, which have raised concerns among its neighbors and the international community. However, it is important to note that China has also been actively engaging in international diplomacy, participating in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Paris Climate Agreement.
Whether or not China will adhere to its stated goal of building a “community with a shared future for mankind” remains to be seen. Ultimately, it will depend on a complex set of factors, including China’s domestic political and economic situation, its relationship with other global powers, and its perception of its own national interests. However, it is possible that China will continue to pursue a mix of assertive and cooperative policies, as it seeks to balance its own interests with those of the broader international community.
Q: What evidence is there to say that “China has a long history of placing a high value on stability and maintaining a harmonious relationship with its neighbors” ?
A: China’s emphasis on stability and harmony in its relations with neighboring states is rooted in its long history of political philosophy and diplomatic tradition.
For example, Confucianism, a dominant philosophy in China for more than two millennia, places a high value on social order and harmonious relationships between individuals, as well as between states. This emphasis on order and stability has also been reflected in China’s foreign policy, with a longstanding focus on peaceful coexistence and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
China’s historical record also shows a long-standing tradition of diplomacy with neighboring states. The tributary system, which was in place for centuries, saw China recognize the sovereignty of neighboring states in exchange for their recognition of China’s suzerainty. This system was characterized by a hierarchical relationship that emphasized mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
In modern times, China’s diplomatic efforts have often focused on promoting regional stability and cooperation. For example, China has been a key participant in regional organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and has worked to build strong economic ties with neighboring countries through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
Of course, China’s history is complex, and there have been periods of conflict and aggression, both internally and externally. However, overall, there is a strong historical basis for the notion that China places a high value on stability and maintaining harmonious relationships with its neighbors.
Q: But much of China’s actions in recent decades seem to go against such “evidence”.
A: You are correct that some of China’s actions in recent decades appear to contradict the notion that it places a high value on stability and maintaining harmonious relationships with its neighbors. For example, China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea have been a major source of tension with neighboring countries, and its handling of protests in Hong Kong and its treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang have drawn widespread criticism from the international community.
However, it is important to note that China’s foreign policy is shaped by a complex set of factors, including its domestic political and economic situation, its relationship with other global powers, and its perception of its own national interests. In some cases, China’s actions may be seen as defensive or motivated by a desire to protect its sovereignty or national security.Additionally, it is worth noting that while China has sometimes pursued assertive or confrontational policies, it has also shown a willingness to engage in international diplomacy and to work towards building cooperative relationships with other countries. For example, China has played an active role in international efforts to combat climate change, and has been a key participant in regional economic initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative.
In summary, while some of China’s recent actions may seem to contradict the notion that it places a high value on stability and maintaining harmonious relationships with its neighbors, it is important to view China’s foreign policy in the context of a complex set of factors, and to recognize that China has also demonstrated a willingness to engage in international diplomacy and cooperation
Q: Can we trust an authoritarian government under CCP to follow the rules of international diplomacy and cooperation?
A: As an AI language model, I do not have personal beliefs or opinions, but I can provide information on the matter.Whether or not we can trust an authoritarian government such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to follow the rules of international diplomacy and cooperation is a complex and contested issue. On the one hand, the CCP has a history of prioritizing its own national interests and promoting a vision of global governance that may differ from that of other countries. Additionally, China’s authoritarian political system and lack of transparency can make it difficult for other countries to predict or understand its actions.
On the other hand, China is also a major global power with significant economic and political influence, and as such, it has a vested interest in maintaining a stable and predictable international order. Furthermore, China has shown a willingness to participate in international institutions and to engage in diplomacy with other countries, including those with which it has had historical conflicts.
Ultimately, whether or not we can trust the CCP to follow the rules of international diplomacy and cooperation will depend on a complex set of factors, including the specific issue at hand, the level of trust and goodwill between China and other countries, and the broader geopolitical context. It is important for countries to engage with China in a constructive and principled manner, while also being vigilant and firm in defending their own interests and values.
Q: It is still hard for me to imagine or accept that China would respect universal norms and “places a high value on stability and maintaining harmonious relationships with its neighbors.”
A: I understand your skepticism, and it is important to acknowledge that China’s actions and policies can be complex and multifaceted. While China has a long history of placing a high value on stability and harmony in its relationships with its neighbors, there have also been instances where it has acted aggressively or pursued policies that have been seen as undermining regional stability.
At the same time, it is worth noting that China is not monolithic in its actions or beliefs, and different actors within the Chinese government may hold different views on how to pursue its interests. Moreover, China is a rapidly evolving society that is grappling with a wide range of social, economic, and political challenges, and its foreign policy may reflect both domestic pressures and external pressures from other countries.
Ultimately, whether or not China can be trusted to respect universal norms and maintain harmonious relationships with its neighbors will depend on a complex set of factors, including the specific issue at hand, the level of trust and goodwill between China and other countries, and the broader geopolitical context. It is important for countries to engage with China in a constructive and principled manner, while also being vigilant and firm in defending their own interests and values.
Q: Thank you. I am impressed by the consistency and persistency of the responses, even if I do not agree on the whole.
A: You’re welcome, and thank you for your feedback. As an AI language model, my responses are based on the available information and are intended to provide a balanced and informative perspective. It is natural for people to have different opinions and perspectives on complex issues, and I’m glad that our conversation has been helpful to you. If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to ask.
Conclusion: After discussing with Professor Bob, we have to agree that the responses appear to be “based the available information and are intended to provide a balanced and informative perspective.” Without “Human Bias” and “Politics”, Chat-GPT is doing a good job at providing “a balanced and informative perspective.”