Experts offer opinions on how pandemic will shape the world

chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2020-05-07 14:30

Editor's note: As the novel coronavirus continues to spread globally, the question, "how will the pandemic shape the world?" has received much attention. The Institute of National Development and Strategy of Renmin University of China recently held an online forum, "International Public opinion and Great Power Relations in the context of the Global epidemic". Experts and scholars shared their in-depth analysis on public opinion and international relations of the United States, Russia and Europe towards China during the COVID-19.

Liu Yuanchun, vice-president of Renmin University of China

In the face of complex international public opinion situation, we'd better stick to four important principles: First, we should fully realize that cooperation is the fundamental starting point and the basis for forming consensus; Second, we should be aware of what our basic interests are. Building a community with a shared future for mankind requires us to always adhere to openness and cooperation; Third, we should understand the direction and trend of historical development and adhere to our own strategic position; Fourth, follow the law of public opinion communication in the era of self-media and globalization.

Guan Xueling, research fellow of the National Academy of Development and Strategy, and professor at Renmin University of China

Novel coronavirus is the common enemy of all mankind, and no country can be left alone. Only by cooperating with each other can we overcome the difficulties. In the context of the global epidemic, China and Russia work together to fight the epidemic hand in hand, which is an important practice of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Russia in the new era and the interpretation of the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Yawei Liu, director of the Carter Center's China Program

At present, there are claims against China in the United States, the political purpose of which is to divert attention and find a scapegoat for its own failure to control the numbers of infections and deaths. These public opinions will cause incalculable damage to China's reputation. China can resolve this from three aspects: Issuing a white paper on the fight against the epidemic, exchanging views with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States and other departments, and inviting international experts to study the source of the virus.

Wang Fan, professor in international relations, vice-president of China Foreign Affairs University

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 poses an enormous threat to life and health and a formidable challenge to global public health security. However, politicians in some countries in Europe and the United States do not see this, and they are going to make historic mistakes. The only way to defeat the virus is to work together. Blame-shifting and scapegoating will not help focus on pandemic response, but only divides the international community and jeopardizes international anti-epidemic cooperation.

Wang Yiwei, professor at the School of International Studies of Renmin University of China

In terms of vaccine research and development, the United States hopes to join hands with the European Union to confront China, while the European Union advocates openness and innovation in vaccine research and development.

In order to prevent stigmatization and language terrorism, we could invite European journalists to visit China, promoting the meeting between Chinese and European leaders, and promoting WHO reform.

Xiao Geng, president of the Hong Kong Institution for International Finance and director of the Research Institute of Maritime Silk-Road at Peking University HSBC Business School

The economic dependence between China and US is very strong. The cost of complete "decoupling" between the two countries is too high, and not "decoupling" requires us to innovate and open up. Our biggest challenge now is to make the American people truly understand China's growth, why China can contribute to all mankind, and why China does not want to go to war with the United States.

Xiao Wunan, executive vice-chairman, Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation

At present, the epidemic situation in the United States is "severe but tends to be stable." The states are gradually resuming normal economic activities, but still need medical supplies; The number of infections in the United States will continue to increase for some time, and the resumption of work and production, including the opening of international routes, will accelerate. At present, the public opinion on China in the United States is generally negative, but it is not one-sided, and some problems arise from misunderstandings and lack of communication.

Wang Lili, vice-dean and research fellow of National Academy of Development and Strategy

There is a lack of the spirit of global solidarity and international cooperation needed to defeat a common enemy. Instead, to control the outbreak, every country needs to share the information it has on the virus with the international community, help other countries with medical supplies and other essential commodities, and provide financial and material aid for developing countries.