China Versus the US: Kishore Mahbubani on a Zero-Sum Rivalry | The Mishal Husain Show

Summary

Kishore Mahbubani discusses the US-China rivalry as a zero-sum contest, arguing that China's rise is unstoppable and that the US should focus on domestic issues. He recounts his personal journey from poverty in Singapore to becoming a diplomat, highlighting Singapore's remarkable economic transformation. The conversation also touches on China's internal politics, regional dynamics, and the implications of US foreign policy.

• The US-China rivalry is described as the most important contest of our time.
• Mahbubani asserts that China can no longer be stopped and will continue to grow.
• He argues that US wars in the Middle East benefit China by allowing it to grow peacefully.
• Mahbubani criticizes US policy for focusing on geopolitics instead of domestic well-being.
• He shares his personal story of growing up in poverty in Singapore and the country's rise to prosperity.
• The conversation highlights Singapore's economic miracle under leaders like Lee Kuan Yew.
• Regional neighbors must pragmatically adjust to Chinese power while managing the relationship.
• Mahbubani calls for US-China collaboration on global challenges like climate change.