Yu Shougang,
37, English teacher at Harbin Engineering University, Heilongjiang Province
What’s the first thing you think of about the US?
Guns. The US has been hit by a spate of shootings recently, and many people were killed and injured.
Do you think China and the US know each other’s culture and ways of thinking?
I think Chinese people know much more about the US than the other way round. American people know relatively little about Chinese culture and thinking patterns. In comparison, Chinese people are well aware of US history, economy and society. For example, a great number of Chinese people at different ages flocked to the US to study. Nowadays, every Chinese family attaches great importance to English education and the Chinese are increasingly curious about US civilization and thinking. In contrast, there are a very small number of US people studying in China and some US people still turn a cold shoulder to the Chinese economy and culture.
What do you think of the Sino-us relationship? Why?
In my opinion, the Sino-us relationship is dynamic and complicated. China and the US are at different development stages and each has its own national interests. China is keen on rapid development and the US will strive to keep its dominant position. As a result, the two countries have both competition and cooperation in many areas. If there’s something that could damage the interests of both countries, China and the US are likely to cooperate, for example in international anti-terrorism action. When the interests of one country are damaged, particularly if there’s been an infringement by the one on the other, there will be conflicts. Just think about the US government’s arms sales to Taiwan.
How do you think President Donald Trump will deal with the Sino-us relationship? Why?
Trump’s “America First” policy will not be positive for SinoUS relations. To bolster domestic employment, the Trump administration withdrew from a series of international protocols, and they are handling domestic and global issues from a business perspective. This shortsightedness will bring some benefits to the US temporarily, but in the long run, it will isolate the US more from the international community. If Trump continues to handle Sino-us relations in this way, things are looking bleak.
What do you think is the ideal Sino-us relationship? What is the key to such a relationship?
Equality, cooperation, win-win situations and mutual responsibility. China and the US should respect each other’s politics and development mode and address differences on the basis of cooperation and mutual benefit. The two countries should take joint responsibility to make the world and humanity better.