Understanding the trans-Pacific debate by China, U.S. anchors

CGTN anchor Liu Xin joined Fox Business host Trish Regan on her prime time show on Thursday morning Beijing Time for a live television discussion on China-U.S. trade issues. Although it lasted only 16 minutes, the debate reflected such principles as "mutual respect", "equal communication", and "eliminating misunderstandings".

CGTN anchor Liu Xin (R) and Fox Business Network host Trish Regan in a live discussion. [Photo: CGTN]

Mutual Respect

Under the spotlight of the world's attention, the debate between Liu Xin and Trish Regan was a discussion between equals. Liu Xin logically, meticulously, and calmly answered questions from Regan on topics ranging from the orientation of China's development to the specifics of intellectual property protections. For Regan's part, she was sincere and respectful, and admitted that a trade war was not good for either country.

Rules, equality, and openness: Although the two anchors have different standpoints on these hot topics, they also reached some degree of consensus. Despite their differing perspectives, they shared a wish for further dialogue.

Equal Communication

People were expecting for sparks to fly between these two representatives of the world's two largest economies, as the China-U.S. trade tensions are ongoing. But the dialogue between the two anchors, however, seems to be sending a signal to the outside world that communication on the basis of equality is better than tit-for-tat arguments. This is because dialogue is always better than confrontation, and face-to-face engagement is more important than sniping behind someone's back.

This television event can, in its own way, show that China-U.S. economic and trade negotiations should and can solve problems through dialogue. Although the relationship between the two sides has its tensions, as long as the countries are sincere and able to sit down and talk, it is possible to have a fair exchange.

Eliminating Misunderstandings

The purpose of the dialogue was for both sides to understand each other's viewpoints, and then narrow down the differences. What was obvious is that some Americans are full of misunderstandings and stereotypes about China. At the end of the debate, CGTN's Liu Xin welcomed Trish Regan to China. Liu said that China is a diverse place, and that the best way to come to a real and comprehensive understanding of the country is to visit.

Many of the problems between China and the United States are due to misunderstanding and misjudgment, and sanctions and confrontation are not a solution. The debate between Liu Xin and Trish Regan reflects only a small part of the relationship between China and the United States, but the message it delivered – the importance of dialogue without confrontation and in the spirit of fairness – is worth thinking about.