Head of American Jewish Group: "Deeply worried" about stigmatization

　　China News Service, Beijing, August 17 (Reporter Diao Haiyang) "We are deeply concerned... the stigmatization of words and deeds has caused great harm to the Chinese and even Asian communities." David Burr, Chairman of the American Jewish Public Affairs Committee (JCPA) Enstein said in an exclusive interview with Chinanews.com.

　　The American Jewish Public Affairs Committee was established in 1944. It is one of the largest non-profit Jewish organizations in the United States today and is quite influential in the American Jewish community.

　　On February 21 this year, JCPA and more than 80 Jewish organizations issued a joint letter criticizing the increasingly prominent anti-Chinese sentiments and insults to China in the United States, and expressed cordial condolences and firm support to the Chinese Americans and the Chinese people. On February 26, Bernstein went to the Chinese Embassy in the United States with the heads of several American Jewish organizations that participated in the co-signature, and submitted a joint letter to Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to the United States.

　　In an exclusive interview with Chinanews.com, Bernstein once again discussed the issue of stigma and expressed his views on the current situation and future of Sino-US relations. He said that due to the general election factors, the US-China relationship is facing a complicated situation. He called on the United States and China, as two world powers, to act to ease current conflicts and strengthen cooperation. He also said that under the current situation, the two countries should strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and form a more positive public opinion foundation.

　　The following is a summary of the interview with Bernstein:

1. How can we avoid further deterioration of Sino-US relations?

　　First of all, I must point out that the United States is currently in the general election season. U.S.-China relations have unfortunately become the "political football" of the United States, and it has been kicked around. US-China relations need to overcome difficulties. I think that this is not the right time to solve the problem, because both the Democratic and Republican parties have adopted a strong attitude towards China. For some time to come, US-China relations may face a more complicated situation.

　　In this case, I think we should pay more attention to the non-governmental relations between the United States and China, rather than just focusing on political relations. There are a large number of Chinese communities in the United States, who can become "civil ambassadors" for the United States and China, and show more Chinese civilization and culture to Americans. As far as I know, many Americans like Chinese culture, which will make the relationship between the two countries have a better foundation of public opinion and make the political relationship between the two countries less complicated.

　　2. Are you optimistic about the prospects of China-US cooperation?

　　I do think that the United States and China have the opportunity to cooperate on issues such as the fight against the new crown epidemic, but the cooperation between the two sides is very difficult between now and before the general election. For example, people in the United States have always accused China of spreading the virus to the United States. But after the general election, the situation may be different. Once the general election is over, related political considerations will change and policies will be adjusted accordingly. After the general election, politicians no longer have to think about elections, and will focus more on how to get the economy back on track.

3. At the current election, do you think the Democratic and Republican parties should treat China?

　　The two parties should treat China as a world power and recognize China's growing economic and political influence on a global scale. They should try to find areas of cooperation with China and increase their influence on China by building a positive and constructive relationship. At present, due to election reasons, this situation has not happened, but is getting worse.

　4. During the epidemic, the American Jewish Public Affairs Committee has jointly issued a joint letter with more than 80 Jewish organizations to support the Chinese community affected by the epidemic and oppose anti-Chinese sentiments and insulting speeches. How do you evaluate the bond between Jewish and Chinese?

　　We (Jewish Americans) have a very close relationship with Chinese Americans, and at the same time maintain close ties with the Chinese people. I often communicate with the Chinese community. During the epidemic, we often exchange presence and information. There is indeed a very special bond between our two ethnic groups. There are many similarities between the Chinese nation and the Jewish nation. I believe that this relationship will become stronger and stronger.

5. Stigmatizing words and deeds against Chinese Americans in the United States continue to occur. What do you think of it?

　　We are deeply concerned. We have noticed that in the past period of time, the President of the United States has chosen to "cool down" in his words, and no longer use terms such as "Chinese virus". But recently, as elections are approaching, he has begun to use stigmatizing titles again. Some of my Chinese friends told me that they desperately hope that the President and White House officials will stop using this name. Stigmatizing words and deeds has caused great harm to the Chinese and even Asian groups.

　6. In the current situation, what kind of signal should China and the US send to each other?

　　What I want to remind the leaders of the two countries is that the United States and China are both world powers, and both countries shoulder the heavy responsibility of maintaining world peace. What is important is that the two countries must act to ease current conflicts and strengthen cooperation. (Finish)