Ambassador Burns on the State of US-China Relations

Updated: November 13, 2025

East-West Center


Summary

The video provides an overview of the East West Center's efforts to foster better relations between the US, Asia, and the Pacific through events like the China seminar. It discusses the significance of Ambassador Burns' diplomatic career and the specific agreements reached during the California meeting, including cooperation on addressing the fentanyl issue and military collaboration. The US-China relationship is explored in terms of both competition and cooperation, touching on military power, technological advancements, and human rights concerns. The discussion also delves into challenges and opportunities in the relationship, such as economic policies and public diplomacy efforts. The role of institutions like the East West Center in promoting People to People connections and understanding China is emphasized throughout the video.


Introduction to the East West Center

Introduction to the East West Center and its purpose of promoting better relations among people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific.

Seminar Overview

Overview of the China seminar presented by the East West Center, Friends of the East West Center, and US Embassy Beijing, discussing the importance of the event and questions submitted for Ambassador Burns.

Introduction of Ambassador Burns

Background information on Ambassador Burns, detailing his career in American diplomacy serving six presidents and nine secretaries of State.

Key Agreements from the California Meeting

Details on specific agreements made during the California meeting, including cooperation on addressing the fentanyl issue, military cooperation, and reconnecting the peoples of the United States and China.

Discussion on the US-China Relationship

Insights on the competitive and cooperative aspects of the US-China relationship, including issues such as military power, technological developments, trade relations, and human rights concerns.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Relationship

Exploration of challenges and opportunities in the US-China relationship, including economic policies, public diplomacy efforts, and the role of institutions like the East West Center in fostering People to People connections.

Insights on Chinese Elites' Beliefs

Analysis of Chinese elites' beliefs on the decline of the United States and the role of PRC propaganda in shaping perceptions.

Prospects of US and China in Global Dynamics

Discussions on the evolving dynamics between the US and China in the global context, focusing on economic projections, technological advancements, and strategic goals.

US Stance on Coercive Actions towards the Philippines

US concerns regarding coercive pressure on the Philippines by China, including actions taken to support the Philippines' sovereignty and territorial rights.

Role of Allies and Partners in US Strategy

Importance of allies and partners in the US indopacific strategy, highlighting the significance of cooperation with countries in the global South and building strong diplomatic ties.

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Closing remarks on the challenging yet competitive relationship between the US and China, emphasizing the importance of People to People connections and continued efforts in understanding and engaging with China.


FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of the East West Center?

A: The purpose of the East West Center is to promote better relations among people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific.

Q: Can you explain what nuclear fusion is?

A: Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a single heavier one while releasing massive amounts of energy.

Q: What were some of the specific agreements made during the California meeting?

A: Some specific agreements made during the California meeting included cooperation on addressing the fentanyl issue, military cooperation, and reconnecting the peoples of the United States and China.

Q: What are some of the competitive and cooperative aspects of the US-China relationship discussed?

A: Some of the competitive and cooperative aspects of the US-China relationship discussed included issues such as military power, technological developments, trade relations, and human rights concerns.

Q: What are some of the challenges and opportunities in the US-China relationship?

A: Some of the challenges and opportunities in the US-China relationship included economic policies, public diplomacy efforts, and the role of institutions like the East West Center in fostering People to People connections.

Q: What were the discussions on the evolving dynamics between the US and China in the global context focused on?

A: The discussions on the evolving dynamics between the US and China in the global context were focused on economic projections, technological advancements, and strategic goals.

Q: What are some of the US concerns regarding coercive pressure on the Philippines by China?

A: Some of the US concerns regarding coercive pressure on the Philippines by China included actions taken to support the Philippines' sovereignty and territorial rights.

Q: Why is the importance of allies and partners highlighted in the US indopacific strategy?

A: The importance of allies and partners is highlighted in the US indopacific strategy to emphasize the significance of cooperation with countries in the global South and building strong diplomatic ties.

Q: What was emphasized in the closing remarks regarding the relationship between the US and China?

A: In the closing remarks, the challenging yet competitive relationship between the US and China was emphasized, along with the importance of People to People connections and continued efforts in understanding and engaging with China.

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