PAX sapiens and INHR leverage quiet diplomacy to advance US-China bilateral relations
PAX sapiens is committed to promoting a peaceful, sustainable solution to the conflicts between the US and China. In support of that mission, PAX sapiens works to facilitate connections and conversation between influential actors on both sides of the divide, in the belief that in times of tension ongoing discussions are even more important.
In early June 2023, PAX sapiens and INHR hosted the first Rocky Mountain Retreat (RMR), a three-day workshop for Chinese and US former officials and experts in Boulder, Colorado, focused on crisis management and possible future cooperation.
The RMR workshop demonstrated the important role quiet diplomacy plays in foreign policy, especially in managing crises and deciphering cultural differences between the U.S. and China.
In the absence of reliable channels for bilateral dialogue, bilateral forums, such as RMR, provides a venue for Chinese and American officials to cooperate on issues of mutual interest, and draw lessons learned from previous incidents such as, Hainan Island Incident, to seek solutions preventing conflicts from escalating.
A number of concrete ideas were discussed and participants agreed that the best crisis prevention would be an improved US-China political relationship with restored mutual trust. The first RMR cohort concluded four principles that could move the parties closer to an improved relationship between the United States and China.
1. Peacefully coexist
2. Respectfully cooperate and compete,
3. Responsibly address global challenges,
4. Actively promote peace and stability.
This event established a mutual understanding and willingness to convene annually at Rocky Mountain, Colorado to advance the goal.
