Bilateral tensions between the United States and China appear to have reached an all-time
high. For months, the two major powers have been
locked in an ongoing trade war, military friction in the South China Sea, and they have blamed
each other for causing the COVID-19 outbreak. Over the past week, the situation escalated
to the point of Washington handing a Chinese consulate in Houston 72-hours notice to close
down, accusing it of spying on America. Beijing responded in kind, having the U.S.
consulate in Chengdu lower its flag and leave. Has their relationship hit the lowest point
in their diplomatic history and can the situation actually get worse?
To discuss this, we have joining us today Dr. Wang Jiangyu,... Professor at the City
University of Hong Kong School of Law. Hello, Dr. Wang - how are you today?
We also connect with Dr. Joseph Bosco, former China country director in the U.S. Office
of the Secretary of Defense.
1. My first question to you, Dr. Wang. Some say we're already witnessing a second Cold
War. Would you agree Is this the worst U.S.-China relations have been to date?
2. The same question to you Dr. Bosco. Are the U.S. and China already locked in a Cold
War? 3. Dr. Wang: The U.S. and a number of EU countries
are criticizing China's recent security law regarding Hong Kong, human rights issues and
they are even pulling out from using Chinese technology. What is Beijing's response to
this? 4. Dr. Wang: The Chinese- state run Global
Times cited experts who said the possibility of direct China-US military conflicts, or
even the severance of diplomatic ties, are becoming greater. Would you say this is an
indirect warning from Beijing and do you think military conflict is a possibility?
5. Dr. Bosco: How do you see the piece from the Global Times? Do you see this as a message
from Beijing and that military conflict is a real possibility?
6. Dr. Bosco: What are the dangers of these tensions escalating even further? (especially
on global trade and overcoming the pandemic?) 7. Dr. Wang: What do you think are the dangers
of U.S.-China relations worsening? 8. Dr. Bosco: Do you think China
is going to
back down in any of the contentious issues other countries are raising whether it comes
to its human rights issues or Hong Kong?
9. Dr. Wang: Do you think there can be a compromise between the two countries, or has the conflict
become too politicized, especially in the run up to the U.S. presidential election?
We'll have to wrap up the discussion here but it was wonderful speaking with you both.
That was Dr. Wang Jiangyu,... Professor at the City University of Hong Kong School of
Law and Dr. Joseph Bosco, former China country director in
the U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense. Thank you
for joining the
program