Idea of civilizational conflict criticized

A US expert said that invoking of the idea of "civilizational conflict" by some is a "trap" to be avoided.

As Beijing and Washington are engaged in intensive efforts to iron out their trade differences, a US policy-planning official renewed the "clash of civilizations" idea in formulating China policy, igniting rebuke and criticism at home and abroad.

John L. Holden, senior director at Washington-based global consultancy McLarty Associates, said in an interview with China Daily that the "clash of civilizations" worldview is problematic, as it puts explicit emphasis on what divides different peoples, suggesting that the division is intractable.