In our conversation today, I think are trying to structure the debates that
we discussed earlier. One is how to prevent a war, which
really is to do with China. And the other one is how to end a war,
which has to do with Russia. You've just heard Wang Qishan talk about
casting aside Cold War mentalities. And I thought that's a nice set up to
our traditional metaphor. I think back in 2019, you talked about
us being in the foothills of a Cold War. Then we advance the next year to the
high mountain passes. I'm not quite sure advanced was the
right word, but we went up last year. You described us as being on the edge of
a precipice in terms of a Cold War. How do you see the situation today?
More optimistic today than I was. Last time.
If we use metaphors, I would say we're at the.
They getting. Of a.
Bridge building effort. So long, which
is positive, so long as we remember. That if the bridge.
Doesn't get built. The principle remains
that the opportunity is greater now than it was in a previous
meeting. Is that does that is that reflected very
strongly by what happened yesterday with Xi Jinping and Joe Biden?
Because it's hard to believe that the rest of this year was optimistic.
Was yesterday's meeting very important? Well, of course, they can always be
events that override statements made. And no public meetings or meeting should
become public. But
I think a faces is being discussed today.
Such is the visit of secretary of state. China.
And general statements that were made by.
Both sides. Did the midterms and in a way oblige you
vote? To start some concrete discussions.
On a variety of topics. What have been identified too far?
See climate change and the overall global economic situation.
Their goals are important topics. But they're not controversial in their
objective. So in the months ahead.
The two sides and others may join them. Should focus on specific attempts to
resolve such issues.
It is so sad to see if you. And the nature of the specific method of
economic competitive moves. And
down the road. How do
you limit.
Represent said no emerging. Which combined artificial intelligence
with enormous destructiveness. Those are challenging garbage.
And a. Open dialogue between the two sides.
Make a big contribution to. Do you see any historical footage?
Sorry. Energy.
Do you see any historical parallels in this?
I mean, you've talked a bit about the run up to the First World War.
There were chances for England and Germany back then then to have more
constructive talks. Do you think that there is a sense that
they were in a similar position? Well, a jury comparing notes.
Oh, not too hopeful. Well, in
Chamberlain. In nineteen twelve.
It would create tension or potential tension between Britain and Germany.
Were two major British document, one called the.
Wrote memorandum pointed out that Germany was a potential threat that had
to be resisted. No road runs.
The other one was a visit by the British war minister to Germany in which he
proposed reduction of the German navy in return for some
modifications of British politics. As events developed, the confrontation,
of course, became the dominant cause. And four years of war followed.
That whose consequences went beyond anything any of the leaders had ever
imagined. If one looks at historically parallels,
one should. See?
What happened in the previous period? But it's a result of the different
choices made on all sides. Isn't there isn't there isn't there a
problem today, despite yesterday's meeting in general over the past year?
The Hawks have been proved correct. So if you're in China, you have seen
America clamping down. You saw the Bidens sort of chip war if
you want. Dividing the technological world into
two. And from the American perspective, you
saw Xi Jinping re coronation, Hu Jintao being shuttled off stage, that those are
the things that hawks on both sides will see as as you as you put it, the road to
confrontation. Well, it will be a concern.
That did. That a conciliatory strategy.
It's a way of reducing suicide, its capabilities and therefore
its security. And that danger is in the air and in the
nature of our diplomacy. At the same time, the two leaders met
recently. We know
that the time to draw in Jewish.
Oh. Economic disaster.
End of war did the end of military impact on each other.
So. All we can do today.
Is that a method for discussion has been agreed on and general statements have
been made that are compatible? With a
cooperative Shery Ahn. But a long road still has to be
undertaken. And thoughtful colleges will have to be
pursued. And frank discussions need to be taking
place. But the door at least have been opened.