Public opinion in the United States pins the blame for the COVID-19 pandemic squarely on China. After all, that’s where the virus started. And President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have fanned the flames by accusing China of covering up the outbreak and knowingly allowing the novel coronavirus to spread. But their supposed smoking gun, the tragic fate of the heroic whistleblower, Li Wenliang, fires only blanks.
Nie Wenjuan, Deputy Director of Institute of International Relations, China Foreign Affairs University
Apr 29, 2020
An ideological competition has sprung from pandemic, and the space for the two sides to compromise and collaborate has narrowed rapidly. The two countries appear to be entering a lose-lose war in which the entire international community will suffer.
Nong Hong, Executive Director, Institute for China-America Studies; Senior Fellow, Beijing Club for International Dialogue
Apr 23, 2020
The advent of the novel coronavirus outbreak has created another breeding ground for conflict aside from the illness itself – social media. The spread of misinformation and the war of words occurring online is not conducive to the transnational cooperation that is necessary to alleviate this crisis.
Li Yan, Director of President's Office, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations
Apr 21, 2020
A short-term spike in popularity during the COVID-19 crisis doesn’t necessarily mean a better chance of re-election for the incumbent U.S. president. Many current supporters still disagree with his overall political views and style.
He Wenping, Senior Research Fellow, Charhar Institute and West Asia and Africa Studies Institute of the China Academy of Social Sciences
Apr 21, 2020
The coronavirus poses a stark threat to humanity, and it’s only natural for people to worry. And that can lead to unfortunate misunderstandings, as in the recent accusation of racism against Nigerians.
Fu Ying, Founding Chair of Center for International Security and Strategy, Tsinghua University; China's former Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs
Apr 19, 2020
China’s influence in the realm of public opinion needs to be improved. Its international discourse does not yet sufficiently reflect the rich fabric of Chinese society and culture. Nor does it quench the craving for knowledge by the rest of the world.
Leonardo Dinic, Advisor to the CroAsia Institute
Apr 13, 2020
The public must be cautious against simplifications and conspiracy theories when faced with complex problems such as the latest coronavirus outbreak.
Cui Tiankai, China’s ambassador to the United States
Apr 06, 2020
Let’s acknowledge there has been unpleasant talk between our nations about this disease. But this is not the time for finger-pointing.
Wang Fan, Vice President, China Foreign Affairs University
Apr 03, 2020
The concept of building a community with a shared future for all mankind, which was articulated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is no longer a mere lofty slogan.
Ben Reynolds, Writer and Foreign Policy Analyst in New York
Apr 01, 2020
Like many countries, the U.S. was slow to accept the reality of COVID-19, but some have used racism and Sinophobia to deflect criticism for the country’s missteps in handling the virus.