China News Network, May 5 (He Luman, Li Henan) A few days ago, the Globalization Think Tank (CCG) held a press conference in Beijing for Professor Joseph Nye, former dean of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, for his new book "Soft Power and Sino-US Coopetition". Focusing on the topic of Sino-US competition and cooperation, Joseph Nye pointed out at the press conference, "Soft power can become part of Sino-US competition. When China and the United States attract each other, it is the key point to enhance mutual cooperation. ”

On April 2023, 4, the Globalization Think Tank (CCG) held a book launch conference on "Soft Power and Sino-US Coopetition" in Beijing. Image source: Globalization Think Tank

Competition Must Have Limits Soft power will benefit China and the United States

At present, Sino-US relations are facing many difficulties and challenges, Joseph Nye pointed out, "I refuse to see Sino-US relations as entering a 'new cold war' because despite fierce competition, the two countries are highly interdependent in terms of economy and ecological environment." ”

He said that in this period, it is necessary to recognize that competition exists, but it is important that competition needs to be limited, and it is necessary to ensure that there is continuous communication between the top level of China and the United States, that they can understand "what the red lines of the other side are" and do not let each side fall into crisis.

"It's important to make sure that we end up working together, making sure things don't get out of hand, that we don't go our separate ways," he stressed. ”

Joseph Nye is the originator of the theory of "soft power." "I'm concerned that people put too much emphasis on competition and not enough on collaboration," he said. This is precisely what soft power is all about. ”

In his view, soft power has a competitive dimension, but it also has a positive, mutually beneficial and win-win dimension. Soft power can benefit both China and the United States.

Increase multi-disciplinary exchanges and make the world intertwined

Joseph Nye pointed out that to improve the ability of China and the United States to cooperate, it is necessary to increase people-to-people contacts, which can promote mutual understanding. "When China and the United States attract each other, it is the key point to enhance mutual cooperation."

"I'm a big believer in increasing people-to-people contact, including more students, more journalists, more tourists... For both countries, these visits will help develop soft power. Joseph Nye said.

He also pointed out that in areas where the two countries depend on each other, such as climate and health, ways need to be found to allow scientists to work freely. "I think it's important to think about starting with the practical level of scientists, economists, engineers, and other people, to get the world together."

Joseph Nye said that China and the United States urgently need cooperation and need cooperation. "Hopefully, one day we'll find that having a broader exchange in the field can ease competition." (End)