The Pacific Dialogue is a new way to virtually connect thought leaders across the Pacific Ocean to continue frank and direct conversations during this difficult time.

This is part 1 of episode three of The Pacific Dialogue, between two prominent scholars – Prof. Ezra Vogel of the Harvard University and Prof. JIA Qingguo, Director of Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding of Peking University. They spoke from their homes in Boston and Beijing respectively.

The conversation took place on July 28, 2020, and was moderated by China-US Focus Editor-at-Large James Chau in Hong Kong.

The conversation focuses on the current challenges of the United States-China relations and what can be expected after the U.S. presidential election in November. Prof. Vogel suggested that he saw a strong reaction/opposition to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's China speech on July 23 as more Americans began to speak out. Speaking on his experiences studying in the United States in the 80's, Prof. JIA recalled how they informed his understanding of the country and why it is still important for the United States to keeps the door open to Chinese students. The two guests continued to speak on the deep suspicion and distrust that are driving the two powers further apart and how "doing own's homework", working on transparency and clarity, and, in particular, learning from each other could bring the two nations together.