Experts: Globalization is too far along and it can't go back
Dialogue
01:56

With rising tension between the world's two largest economics, decoupling, at least in some form, seems to be a growing risk. Even more noteworthy is the growing misunderstanding between the United States and China. According to a new Pew Research Center survey, more than 70 percent of Americans hold negative views towards China – the highest level since Pew began the survey in 2005. 

Lin Songtian, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, told CGTN Dialogue, that there are many reports in the media about the tensions between China and the United States, but he believes that this is not the whole picture of the bilateral relations.  

"President Nixon told Chairman Mao, there's no reason for us to become enemies," said Lin. 

He added, according to his personal experience, many Americans in China still hold positive views of China. Therefore, he thinks that the governments of both countries should endeavor to clear up misunderstandings. 

"If we see each other as enemies, we can fight every day, and we can destroy each other," Lin stated. "But if we can change the perception, we could be friends." 

In regard to the rising risk of decoupling, Lin Songtian thinks it's highly unlikely as the Chinese market still has huge potential, providing profitability, stability and efficiency for business. On the one hand, China's social stability guarantees business operations, while on the other hand, China's strong infrastructure and industrialization can provide efficiency for businesses.  

While the United States has strong financial and technology industries, the size of China's population makes it still one of the most attractive markets in the world. "We have 1.4 billion population with more than 400 million middle-income population," Lin said. "How can you isolate yourself from this huge market?" 

Kenneth Jarrett, senior advisor at the Albright Stonebridge Group, agreed with Lin, saying that only some sectors may face decoupling, but a complete decoupling between China and the United States is not possible.  

"Decoupling as a political objective defined as complete separation of the two economies, this is not going to happen, because globalization is too far along and it can't go back," Jarrett stated. 

Jarrett pointed out that although many low-end industrial chains, such as apparel and toy manufacturing, are leaving China, this is not a sign of decoupling, and these supply chain decisions are driven by business and economic decisions.  

Speaking of the prospect of China-U.S. relations, Lin Songtian said the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries is willing to make greater efforts to promote friendly exchanges between the two countries, providing more platforms for Americans and people all over the world to come to China and experience China's diverse culture. 

"I got three messages for the bilateral relations between China and America. First, the general direction for the win-win cooperation will not change. The second is that both the Chinese people and American people share the common aspiration for a better life or better world. The third is, I think we can work together to make a common dream come true," Lin concluded.  

"Dialogue" is a prime time English-language daily talk show on CGTN. The 30-minute program covers a wide range of domestic and international topics, providing a balanced and critical perspective on current affairs and analysis within the framework of cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary comparisons.

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