美中全球议题对话项目

News headlines have intensely focused on U.S.-China relations throughout ongoing trade challenges focusing on global competition. The U.S.-China Student Dialogue provided a space during this tumultuous time on social media to piece apart what relations can really look like. Academic spaces, such as the one we were able to participate in, provided an incredibly unique opportunity to approach issues and discuss problem-solving as a collective group rather than in competition with one another. Initially, everyone was apprehensive in our discussions, due to either our uncertainty of how to formulate the right questions or because of our varying backgrounds in relation to core discussion topics. Eventually students were able to see that we are all eager early career professionals with a common goal of living in a more peaceful and secure world. As a group we were able to come together and share the best parts of our education and lives, proudly representing our countries and focusing on progress going forward.

Our discussions were largely optimistic as we discovered that the United States and China face somewhat similar challenges involving an increasing aging population, economic and security challenges, and climate concerns. Our conversations didn’t mirror the same familiar competitive dialogue largely seen in the media, but instead consisted of thoughtful discussion that reflected on how our nations could forge a working relationship to attain a stable future. While our optimism did not result in complete agreement, we were able to recognize the people on the other side of divisive issues. Shyness turned into cautious trust, and eventually we found each meeting flying by. Within each other we saw future leaders striving for a better world, who were willing to listen to and respect the views of one another.

Students participating in the program came from a variety of degree paths which added depth to our discussions. I was excited to share my knowledge about STEM topics and showcase how research I was doing connected to the issues discussed. I was grateful that other students were able to clarify diplomatic issues I was less familiar with, and together we were able to develop a broader interdisciplinary understanding of climate, security, business, and more. This sharing of ideas, experiences, and backgrounds was an incredible opportunity for students to both ask questions and share their knowledge on specific issues.

Moving forward, this opportunity will serve as a foundation and a reminder of how dialogue and diplomatic solutions between the United States and China are possible. While Instagram, Tiktok, and news headlines paint a picture of crisis, chats between students showcased how simple person-to-person connection can pave the way for future progress. I am grateful for Georgetown and Peking University for making this opportunity possible to have meaningful discussion about controversial topics. I am looking forward to our trip to Beijing and Shanghai to continue conversations with Peking University students beyond Zoom!

Katie Kortbein (G'26) is pursuing a Master of Science in  Biohazardous Threat Agents and Emerging Infectious Diseases at the School of Medicine.