Scholars look into ‘Macau’s crucial role’ in US-China relations

Macau has played ‘a crucial role’ in the development of bilateral relations between the U.S. and China, according to Prof Hao Yufan, dean of the University of Macau’s Faculty of Social Sciences. The scholar said yesterday that Macau and America have been able to build a healthy relationship, with the MSAR’s economy now benefiting from US investment.
Foreign and local scholars gathered at the University of Macau to explore, “The relations between Macau and the United States in the Global Perspective,” an international symposium held yesterday.
Dean Hao Yufan recalled that, in a more contemporary setting, Macau and the United States of America possess “a good relationship,” within the broader context of China-US relations. “Macau is now part of China, so if we want to understand Macau-American relations we need to understand how China and America develop their relationship in general,” he told The Times.
The scholar added that “bilateral relations between China and America are stable, although there are issues and challenges.” “Even though some people might argue that there’s ‘a cold peace’ [between these two countries], I would say that relations are now stable and institutionalized,” he stressed, adding that relations between Macau and the US have also been mutually beneficial.
The region has profited from American investment in recent years, as U.S. casino operations “have brought their world-class management expertise to Macau,” Prof Hao recalled. “Macau has benefited from it,” he reiterated.
The symposium investigated Macau’s role in US-China relations, particularly during the mid-
19th century. Various scholars showed how the American presence in Macau during this period is crucial to understanding Macau’s external relations and the foreign influences within the city, as well as the US’ approach to East Asia.
“Indeed, in the US’ advance into East Asia, Macau played quite a crucial role in trade and missionary matters,” said Prof Hou. Moreover, he stressed how the city has also played a role in American efforts to compete with Great Britain, helping to improve and enhance their diplomatic acumen and political strategy for East Asia. Visiting professor from Huaqiao University, He Sibing, provided a glimpse into “America’s Early Trade with China and the Emergence of the American Community in Macau.” He reiterated that Macau was quite an influential place in terms of early Asia-American relations.
The scholar further recalled that, as within the Canton trading system, the city was the first port of entry for foreign traders. In the 18th century, American ships were not allowed to sail directly into East Asia. The Portuguese settlement was therefore used as a solution. In his paper, Prof He unveiled the story of Samuel Shaw, one of the first American traders who lived in Macau. As of 1837, some American merchants based in Guangzhou transferred to Macau and began establishing relations with locals, while also engaging in the opium trade business.
Professor Xu Guoqi, from the University of Hong Kong, offered yesterday’s audience a glimpse into “a new understanding of Sino-American relations.” The scholar presented a paper, in which he drew the conclusion that US-China relations depend on learning from past experiences and taking into account shared traditions. He believes that approaching Sino-American relations from a historical perspective would help both nations to create a healthy relationship, resulting in mutual benefits.
The symposium gathered in Macau about 15 scholars from local universities, Hong Kong and mainland China.