Professor Lau discusses his research on the bilateral trade deficit and argues that the current deficit based on U.S. data of $367.4 billion is actually closer to $132.7 billion.

Trump’s rhetoric and campaign platform on trade has become a contentious issue. Professor Lau explains the significance of Sino-American trade.

He Yafei says that international relations are based on interests and “ I would discourage of the use of ‘honeymoon’.”

Relations with the U.S. are important and consequential while at the same time complicated. He Yafei explains why a single issue, be it North Korea, Trade or South China Sea, should not hijack the bilateral ties. “This relationship trumps all,” the Chinese diplomat claims.

For the North Korea issue, He Yafei says the negotiation is “the only way out short of war”. Big powers need to be “of one mind” and  persistent in preventing the issue turning into a full-fledged crisis.

Sanctions will only force North Korea into further isolation to become more confrontational. The U.S. is shifting the responsibility of solving the crisis to China.

China’s solution to the “clear and present danger” of the North Korea nuclear program is a step by step packaged deal starting with “dual suspension”.

He Yafei discusses the three dimensions of the North Korea issue – nuclear, regional security and major power strategic balance.

Looking at some hallmarks the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, former top Chinese diplomat He Yafei explains why the initiative offers innovative solutions to global governance woes and challenges in recent years.

About "He Talks"

Mr. He Yafei has always been a person in the know. As one of the top diplomats with China's Foreign Ministry during the first decade of the 21st century, Mr. He directed China's teams in multilateral international negotiations, including the climate change talks, and dealt directly with the U.S. State Department at key junctures in bilateral ties. After his retirement from the public service, he became a sought-after public speaker, an academic on globalization and China's diplomacy, and a strong advocate for a robust China-US relationship. With "He Talks", we are tapping into this veteran Chinese diplomat-turned academic for his take on issues pertinent to China-US relations.