"We should show the global community that we can work with each other on global issues." China's Ambassador to the US, Cui Tiankai, underlines a message of unity and inclusiveness in this interview with China-US Focus. He spoke with Editor-at-Large James Chau about improving global governance and tackling income disparity, China's 2020 goal to lift its people out of poverty, and his perspective on transitioning society towards living a better life, socially, and economically. Watch the first part of this interview with Ambassador Cui Tiankai.

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Cui Tiankai said: "This Phase One agreement is giving people better confidence not only for global economic prospects, but also for the possibility of major countries cooperating with each other on global issues." 

Part 1, Cui Tiankai: Phase One Agreement Boosts Confidence
Part 2, Cui Tiankai: All Countries are Equal
Part 3, Cui Tiankai: What Poverty Feels Like in China 
Part 4, Cui Tiankai: We Have a Better Choice

For the past seven years, Ambassador Cui Tiankai has led China's diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C. It was here on January 15, 2020, where the United States and China achieved a breakthrough by signing a Phase One trade agreement that shapes a new partnership for the world's two leading economies in an uncertain international landscape.

In his first interview since the signing, Ambassador Cui Tiankai spoke to James Chau, China-US Focus Editor-at-Large. He said: "This Phase One agreement is giving people better confidence not only for global economic prospects, but also for the possibility of major countries cooperating with each other on global issues."

Ambassador Cui also discusses the major threats to our peace today, from climate change to disease outbreaks, and references the normalization of US-China relations exactly 41 years ago as proof of what can be achieved together.

Transcripts as follows:

English transcripts PDF

Chinese transcripts PDF

More videos: 

Part 1, Cui Tiankai: Phase One Agreement Boosts Confidence
Part 2, Cui Tiankai: All Countries are Equal
Part 3, Cui Tiankai: What Poverty Feels Like in China 
Part 4, Cui Tiankai: We Have a Better Choice

Amidst rising U.S.-China tensions, General George Casey, the retired four-star US Army general, and Cornell professor sees a growing need to continue dialogue on how best to maintain the US-China relationship. He says that those who worry about a “modern Cold War” should know that China is not an existential threat to the US. Instead, the two countries should focus on their areas of common interest to find momentum in restabilizing the relationship. 

More in Part One: Walking in Their Shoes.

China-US Focus Editor-At-Large James Chau sits down with General George Casey Jr., the retired four-star general who served 41 years in the US Army and is currently a Cornell professor. Together, they discussed the current state of the US-China relationship, and how both countries can take steps towards deescalating tensions to ensure a peaceful future. General Casey served as the 36th Chief of Staff of the US Army and commanding general of the multinational forces in Iraq, and now teaches government classes at Cornell University.

In Part One of our interview with General George Casey, China-US Focus Editor-At-Large James Chau speaks with the retired four-star US Army general about the 40-year history of the US-China relationship, and what issues stand in the way of this historic alliance. Four decades in, there remain complex issues in the relationship, says General Casey. But while the US is an established world power, there is enough room for two. General Casey adds that the world only stands to gain from resolving these issues, and should strive to pave a peaceful future for generations to come. 

More in Part Two: What's at Stake.

China-US Focus Editor-At-Large James Chau sits down with General George Casey Jr., the retired four-star general who served 41 years in the US Army and is currently a Cornell professor. Together, they discussed the current state of the US-China relationship, and how both countries can take steps towards deescalating tensions to ensure a peaceful future. General Casey served as the 36th Chief of Staff of the US Army and commanding general of the multinational forces in Iraq, and now teaches government classes at Cornell University.

China-US Focus host James Chau recently sat down with Admiral Bill Owens (ret.) in Beijing for an exclusive interview during which the decorated navy veteran talked about how a turbulent world is reshaping the relationship between China and the United States, and what can be done to build “togetherness” to prevent the two powers from going down the path of conflicts and confrontation. Citing the World War II experiences in China of American war heroes Chennault and Stilwell, Owens lamented the fact that many in the United States lack an appreciation of the major global issues that requires collective international actions.

China-US Focus presents a special series On Hong Kong, that explores the major milestones of this renowned global city at a unique point in its modern history. Through the words and insights of Tung Chee hwa, who led Hong Kong on its return to China in 1997 as Chief Executive, it offers a unique understanding to the challenges it faces, and the solutions that are required to address them. In this final part, he speaks emotionally about the city he calls “home”, calling on Hong Kong’s young people to preserve hope for their future, and to unify toward an inclusive future. Interviewed by James Chau.

More videos On Hong Kong: A Conversation with Tung Chee Hwa

Part 1:  The History Behind Hong Kong
Part 2:  What's "One Country, Two Systems"
Part 3:  1997, Hong Kong Returns to China
Part 4:  The Hong Kong Situation
Part 5:  "The Violence Must Stop"
Part 6:  What Happens When the US Intervenes
Part 7:  Is Hong Kong Free
Part 8:  "The Chinese Just Want a Better Life"
Part 9:  My American Story
Part 10:  Is There a Future for Hong Kong
Part 11:  My Message to Our Youth

China-US Focus presents a special series On Hong Kong, that explores the major milestones of this renowned global city at a unique point in its modern history. Through the words and insights of Tung Chee hwa, who led Hong Kong on its return to China in 1997 as Chief Executive, it offers a unique understanding to the challenges it faces, and the solutions that are required to address them. In Part 10, he expresses his confidence in Hong Kong’s future, and his faith in its economic wealth and the unique governance since 1997 that has achieved this success. Interviewed by James Chau.

More videos On Hong Kong: A Conversation with Tung Chee Hwa

Part 1:  The History Behind Hong Kong
Part 2:  What's "One Country, Two Systems"
Part 3:  1997, Hong Kong Returns to China
Part 4:  The Hong Kong Situation
Part 5:  "The Violence Must Stop"
Part 6:  What Happens When the US Intervenes
Part 7:  Is Hong Kong Free
Part 8:  "The Chinese Just Want a Better Life"
Part 9:  My American Story
Part 10:  Is There a Future for Hong Kong
Part 11:  My Message to Our Youth

China-US Focus presents a special series On Hong Kong, that explores the major milestones of this renowned global city at a unique point in its modern history. Through the words and insights of C.H. Tung, who led Hong Kong on its return to China in 1997 as Chief Executive, it offers a unique understanding to the challenges it faces, and the solutions that are required to address them. In Part 9, he fondly recalls his early adulthood in the United States, where he began his career, got married, and began a family. Today, he wishes to reciprocate that kindness, by asking young people everywhere to share in Hong Kong’s future prosperity. Interviewed by James Chau.

More videos On Hong Kong: A Conversation with Tung Chee Hwa

Part 1:  The History Behind Hong Kong
Part 2:  What's "One Country, Two Systems"
Part 3:  1997, Hong Kong Returns to China
Part 4:  The Hong Kong Situation
Part 5:  "The Violence Must Stop"
Part 6:  What Happens When the US Intervenes
Part 7:  Is Hong Kong Free
Part 8:  "The Chinese Just Want a Better Life"
Part 9:  My American Story
Part 10:  Is There a Future for Hong Kong
Part 11:  My Message to Our Youth