Experts engaged in today’s dialogue:
Key Points of Today’s Podcast:
Ms. Thornton believes that today’s world is full of uncertainty, and significant changes have taken place in U.S.-China relations as well as in the U.S.’s other bilateral relationships. Frankly speaking, today’s U.S.-China relations have reached a rather low point with unexpected fluctuations, which worries her a lot. The Trump administration has posed many challenges to this major-power relationship, while the long-lasting lack of communication may further damage the already unstable ties.
Regarding the fentanyl crisis, which is a prominent issue in China-U.S. relations, Prof. Da expressed confusion about the U.S.’s expectations for China, given that China has made practical efforts. Ms. Thornton mentioned that the U.S. believes China can do more in domestic enforcement, which is based on its own understanding of China’s internal system. Trump’s preference for coercive diplomacy may further suppress China’s willingness to cooperate with the U.S. Ms. Thornton also noted that Trump’s re-election shocked many Americans, and many are still observing what will happen next.
Additionally, Ms. Thornton emphasized the importance of diplomacy, which is currently being overshadowed. She noted that polarization in domestic society has limited politicians’ ability to make compromises or to persuade public opinion. When Prof. Da asked whether the refusal to compromise has become an irreversible trend, Ms. Thornton expressed deep concern and stressed the importance of negotiation and finding common ground.
Speaking about her teaching experience, Ms. Thornton believed the importance for Yale Law School students to understand U.S.-China diplomacy and to gain knowledge about China, as many of them are future political candidates, policymakers, and seasoned professionals. She noted that joint education between China and the U.S. can help the younger generation better understand each other and view the bilateral relationship from a fresh perspective.
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