Chinese, US scholars and experts discuss evolving bilateral relationship

A forum that brought together scholars and experts from China and the United States to discuss the evolving dynamics of relations between the two countries was held at Fudan University in Shanghai on Jan 8.

The forum, titled Navigating Turbulent Times: US-China Relations in the Next Four Years, was structured in two sessions, focusing first on domestic factors influencing foreign policy in both countries, followed by an examination of changing diplomatic priorities and prospects.

"Today, we are entering a very difficult and challenging period, but personal friendship continues. I firmly believe that these kinds of people-to-people ties are very important for stabilizing this relationship in a time of turbulence and challenge," said Wu Xinbo, professor and dean of the Institute of International Studies and director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University.

"We hope that the US and China will improve based on serious, sober assessments of interests and an ability to find our way through a difficult time," William Antholis, director and CEO of the Miller Center at the University of Virginia.

Scott Miller, director of the project on Democracy and Capitalism of the Miller Center at the University of Virginia, provided historical context, noting the US-China relationship's evolution and emphasizing the importance of understanding American policy formation through both ideological and realist perspectives.

Wei Zongyou, professor at the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, pointed out China's more assertive approach to protecting its national interests while emphasizing China's continued desire for stable relations with the United States.

"China still wants to maintain stable relations with the United States and does not want to pick a fight with the United States or enter a so-called new Cold War," he said.

Harry Harding, senior fellow at the Miller Center at the University of Virginia, suggested a joint assessment of past challenges and identifying areas for practical cooperation.

"I think the most important thing is to continue these kinds of dialogues. Because everything that I've mentioned from understanding the failures in the past to identifying the issues that might produce better trust and cooperation in the future is going to be built on these dialogues and a network of relationships that are going to be essential," Harding noted.

"Study the past, learn from it, build a more positive relationship, and we can hope that in better times, we will still be meeting, but increasingly friendly and instructive dialogue," he added.

Mara Rudman, the James R. Schlesinger distinguished professor at the Miller Center at the University of Virginia, offered an optimistic outlook, highlighting potential areas for cooperation despite the competitive aspects of the relationship. She particularly emphasized shared concerns about global challenges, including technology's impact on younger generations.

The forum was jointly organized by the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia, and the Center for Asia-Pacific Resilience and Innovation USA Foundation.