The Gray Area with Sean Illing Coronavirus has pushed US-China relations to their worst point since Mao
Mar 30, 2020
Evan Osnos, a New Yorker staff writer and author of 'Age of Ambition,' delves into the fraught U.S.-China relationship amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the alarming rise in nationalism on both sides, warning that rhetoric could escalate into armed conflict. The conversation highlights how economic downturns affect China's political stability and the implications of its surveillance practices on global norms. Osnos also explores what genuine de-escalation might look like and what both nations truly want moving forward.
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China's Growing Influence
- China is increasingly shaping the 21st century, similar to how the U.S. shaped the 20th.
- They're setting new global norms, like widespread use of surveillance technology for governance.
China's Model and Trust Deficit
- China's economic success, contrasted with recent U.S. struggles, strengthens their global narrative.
- However, other countries still have reservations about fully embracing the Chinese model due to trust issues.
China's Response to Coronavirus
- The initial cover-up of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan and the subsequent lockdown demonstrate China's approach to crises.
- Despite potential data manipulation, their actions, like Xi Jinping's Wuhan visit, suggest confidence in their progress.
