Ten most read opinion stories of 2018

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Editor's note: On the last day of 2018, we share with you the 10 most read opinion stories of 2018, from which you can see what was happening in China, as well as what mattered most to people around the world. Though many cover international headlines, some of them may surprise you.

No.1 Yale economist: China emerged as America's favorite foreign scapegoat

Stephen Roach, senior fellow and lecturer at Yale University, in an exclusive interview with CGTN's Wang Guan. /CGTN Photo

2018 was clearly an eventful year for China-U.S. relations. Our most-read story of 2018 discussed the emergence of China as "America's favorite scapegoat". Under the cover of "America First" policy, suppressing China became U.S. President Trump's biggest concern.

Views: 2,460,000

No.2 Exclusive: Chinese ambassador to U.S. says we're not afraid of a trade war

Cui Tiankai, Chinese ambassador to the U.S., speaks to World Insight with Tian Wei, March 23, 2018. /CGTN Photo

In the heat of the trade war with the U.S., Cui Tiankai, China's ambassador to the United States in an exclusive interview stating "although China does not want a trade war with the U.S., it is not afraid of one and is prepared to fight to the end."

Views: 2,450,000

No.3 China and U.S.: The wrong war, with the wrong enemy

A Photo of CGTN anchor Zou Yue. /CGTN Photo

Comparing Sino-U.S. relations to a game of chess, CGTN anchor Zou Yue uses the metaphor to discuss U.S. President Trump's shortsighted strategy. "When a master plays chess, he sees not only one move, not only the next but the whole path to victory," wrote Zou.

Views: 1,840,000

No.4 Sweat not deception behind China's economic rise

A Photo of CGTN anchor Zou Yue. /CGTN Photo

In 2018, China broke into the world's top 20 most innovative economies for the first time. Some Americans perceive China as a "thief, robber and plotter" because it is richer, better, stronger and different. But the truth is the Chinese people are the beating heart of a growing economy and the backbone of an aspiring nation. This opinion story compares China's rise to American pioneers in the West and argues that they should be respected in the same way.

Views: 1,670,000

No.5 The mega bridge: The incentive for the Greater Bay Area to achieve global eminence

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge at night /VCG Photo

In October, a six-lane mega bridge connecting China's mainland and Hong Kong and Macao opened, attracting world attention. The bridge is interconnected by the world's most advanced “hardware” in an unprecedented manner and is expected to help China's Greater Bay Area (GBA)'s usher in a new era of economic prosperity and political diversity.

Views: 1,550,000

No.6 Animation: Tougher take-off for U.S.-made airplanes

China was forced to retaliate since the U.S. levied tariffs on it. /CGTN Photo

The trade war trump has triggered aims to save the U.S. economy, however, an airplane, built in the U.S. by one of its flagship companies – Boeing – tells its own story.

Views: 1,370,000

No.7 Autistic children require a humane community

An autistic boy looks into the distance. /VCG Photo

So many "big news" stories emerged in 2018. We didn't think an article focusing on autistic children would stand out. The surprising results fully demonstrate that caring for vulnerable groups remains a universal value.

Views: 1,360,000

No.8 Diplomacy: Decades to build, seconds to break (Cartoon)

Donald Trump, like a red-eyed bull, defying all economic and political rationale. /CGTN Photo

Diplomacy is often slow and rarely makes headlines. It is cordial: friendly but wary, skilled yet unspectacular. But its achievements, the Iran nuclear deal, the Paris climate accord, and the global trading system, for example, are shining displays on the shelves that deserve respect and careful maintenance. This story discusses how U.S. President Donald Trump has shattered the work of diplomacy in seconds.

Views: 1,200,000

No.9 Animation: A bumpy ride for U.S.-made cars

U.S.-made cars are facing uncertainties in the future with the new tariffs. /CGTN Photo

On the road to being a victim of the trade war launched by Donald Trump, cars produced in the United States now have a reason to worry. This opinion story focuses on what the future holds for U.S. car manufacturers and what will happen if they lose the Chinese market.

Views: 1,080,000

No.10 Does the CPC work for China?

A photo of Zhang Weiwei, a Chinese professor of international relations at Fudan University. /CGTN Photo

In March, China held its annual Two Sessions. Zhang Weiwei, a Chinese professor of international relations at Fudan University, cast a critical eye over the governance of modern China in his 10-part CGTN Digital series, "The Chinese Way". He identifies merits and flaws in the Chinese system and contrasts the China model with Western equivalents.

Views: 1,010,000

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)