[ad_1]
04:01
Global governance, multilateralism and China-US relations are among the highlights of both sessions this year. CGTN reporter Su Yuting addresses these issues with Professor Wang Guiguo, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and president of the Zhejiang University Academy of International Strategy and Law.
Below is an excerpt from the interview, edited for brevity and clarity.
CGTN reporter Su Yuting (R) talks to Professor Wang Guiguo (L). / CGTN
CGTN reporter Su Yuting (right) talks to Professor Wang Guiguo (left). / CGTN
CGTN: In the midst of a pandemic, what role do you think China should play in advancing global governance?
Wang: History shows that whenever there is a pandemic, there is an opportunity for international cooperation. We live in a highly globalized world in which each country depends on others. Now we are faced with a pandemic and what is needed is cooperation. International cooperation should focus on measures to control the pandemic and provide vaccination. China is now producing and could provide vaccines to other countries. Many countries urgently need vaccines. China should seize the opportunity to provide such injections to those countries, particularly developing countries.
CGTN: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has repeatedly emphasized that China is a defender of international order and a practitioner of multilateralism. How can these ideals be better defended and protected?
Wang: The current international order developed after World War II under the leadership and initiative of the United States. China, as a newcomer, has worked hard to adapt and comply with this international order. However, under the administration of former US President Donald Trump, the policy was America First. China has suffered from Trump’s policies, as have other countries. That is why China and other nations must defend the international order, which is multilateralism.
CGTN: Relations between China and the United States have been at their worst since the establishment of diplomatic relations. What is the root of the problem and how can they get back on the right track?
Wang: The China-United States relationship is very complicated. The roots of the contradictions are related to the size of China’s economy and its growth rate, as well as the ideological differences between the two countries. The solutions, and there cannot be just one, are exchanges between the two countries at all levels. Dialogue at all levels is essential. Only by exchanging points of view, each party can understand what is happening with the other party. In this way, the United States will eventually realize that China is a peace-loving country. China has never invaded any country and has tried very hard to obey the rules of international order. Only when China and the United States cooperate can the whole world benefit.
