Initiative for U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues

Our virtual sessions with peers from Peking University reinforced why the U.S.-China Student Dialogue is critical. The fates of the United States and China – whether it be economic, security, or technological innovation – are intertwined. From mitigating climate disasters to taking concrete action that stops the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals, there are still areas of potential collaboration between our two nations. Winning strategic competition must co-exist with productive dialogue on these global issues where cooperation is necessary.

As an aspiring U.S. national security policymaker, I signed up for this dialogue because I hope to meet the next generation of Chinese policymakers, diplomats, and business leaders. We may be dialoguing as university students now, but in a few decades, we very well could meet again, this time sitting across a negotiating table from one another.

The first three sessions of this dialogue proved a fascinating exercise because it is a discussion where one side is fundamentally limited in what they can say about certain topics. Even on our introductory Zoom calls, the stark contrast between freedom of expression in the United States. and China was evident. Government censorship is antithetical to the free exchange of ideas, and it makes cooperation extremely challenging. Navigating this culture of unspoken censorship proved the most difficult part of our discussions.

For example, when a Georgetown student asked our peers from Peking University about Chinese maritime policy and strategy in the Pacific, the question was shut down, and the subject immediately changed. Throughout the three sessions, we had in-depth conversations about U.S. climate policy and domestic politics, but it was extremely difficult to talk about Chinese politics or political culture in the same manner.

I did not leave this first set of discussions more optimistic about the future of U.S.-China relations; however, I did leave with a newfound appreciation for the importance of dialogue. These conversations are difficult, but they build the foundations of trust that can foster collaboration and stabilize the U.S.-China relationship during tense times. I look forward to visiting our peers at Peking University, and I am hopeful that speaking in person will foster more open, productive dialogue during the next portion of the program.

Zane Nagel (SFS'26/G'27) is a student at Georgetown University studying international politics and starting a Master of Art's in security studies in the Walsh School of Foreign Service.