Global governance, multilateralism and China-U.S. relations are among the highlights of this year's Two Sessions. CGTN reporter Su Yuting tackles these topics with Professor Wang Guiguo, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the president of the Academy of International Strategy and Law at Zhejiang University.

Below is an excerpt of the interview, edited for brevity and clarity.

CGTN: Amid a pandemic, what role do you think China should play in global governance moving forward? 

Wang: History shows whenever there is a pandemic, there is an opportunity for international cooperation. We live in a highly globalized world in which every country is dependent on others. We are now facing a pandemic and what is needed is cooperation. International cooperation should focus on measures to control the pandemic and provide vaccination. China is now producing and could provide vaccines to other countries. A lot of countries are badly in need of vaccines. China should take the opportunity to provide such shots to those countries, in particular developing nations.  

CGTN: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has repeatedly emphasized that China is a defender of international order and a practitioner of multilateralism. How can these ideals be better championed and protected?

Wang: The current international order was developed following World War II under the leadership and initiative of the United States. China, as a latecomer, has been trying very hard to adapt itself and comply with this international order. Yet, under the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, the policy was America First. China has suffered from Trump's policies, as have other countries. That's why China and other nations must defend international order, which is multilateralism. 

CGTN: China-U.S. relations have been at their worst since the establishment of diplomatic ties. What's the root of the problem and how can they be put back on the right track?

Wang: The China-U.S. relationship is very complicated. The roots for the contradictions are related to the size of China's economy and its growth rate as well as the ideological differences between the two countries. The solutions, and there cannot be one solution, are exchanges between the two countries at all levels. Dialogue at all levels is a must. Only by exchanging views, can each side understand what is going on with the other party. This way, the United States will eventually realize that China is a peace-loving country. China has never invaded any country and has been trying very hard to obey the rules of the international order. Only when China and the United States cooperate, can the whole world benefit.