ON POLITICS [Special coverage]
Wang Fan, vice-president of China Foreign Affairs University
The building of a relationship between major countries, such as that between China and the United States, is of great significance. First, it will help the two nations avoid the path of emerging powers challenging established powers and break the so-called historical logic that strong countries will seek hegemony. Second, it draws up a blueprint for the bilateral relationship in the new era. Third, it opens a new chapter for the two countries to jointly share the responsibilities of major countries, making full use of their advantages to provide more public products to the international community.
ON ECONOMY
Wang Zihong, senior researcher of the Institute of American Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Some economists recently expressed concerns over China's economic growth amid slower investment and excess capacity, but I don't think the growth rate should still be seen as the most pressing priority. Many countries have experienced economic slow-downs or even depressions in history, and that's also normal economic phenomena. All countries survived, but it's crucial to put a complete social security system in place. More adjustments are needed for future healthier growth, even in the form of decline or recession. Just like treating a child with a fever, feeding him too much medicine to bring down his temperature perhaps is not the best choice as a fever within an appropriate range sometimes is good for one's health. There are many so-called ghost cities in some regions, and these projects should either be sold at a reduced price or auctioned, but nothing has happened inmost regions, mainly because they can still get support from banks.
ON CYBERSPACE
Dennis Pamlin, founder of Sweden-based 21st Century Frontiers
This could be very positive. What we need is increased transparency with regard to cybersecurity. There are two major areas where much work is needed. One is digital rights. All individuals must have the right to their own data. Collection and use of data by companies, governments or any stakeholder should only happen with consent from individuals. Only individuals should be able to own their own data. All others can temporarily use it, but never own it. The second area is digital resilience. As the world is becoming increasingly connected, not just with people but things, it is very important that we do not create systems that are unstable in the pursuit of maximum efficiency. Having multiple and separated backup functions is key.
ON COOPERATION
Shada Islam, policy director of Friends of Europe, a leading think tank in Brussels
Increased international cooperation on the Internet and cybersecurity is going to become increasingly important in this interconnected and wired world in the months and years to come, not just for the United States and China but for the EU and other countries. Negotiations between the U.S. and China on what is being called the first arms control accord for cyberspace should therefore pave the way for a wider, global discussion on the issue. All countries and businesses－and private individuals－are victims of hackers. There are no angels, only sinners in this sector. New internationally agreed-upon rules are therefore needed to deal with what is a global problem.
ON CYBERSECURITY
Luigi Gambardella, president of China EU; Executive Board, European Telecommunications Network Operators Association
The fact that President Xi Jinping has dedicated so much attention during his visit to the U.S. to the Internet and to the digital sector is very important. I see as very positive the ongoing efforts of China and the U.S. to make progress in dialogue on the Internet and cybersecurity. The two countries have well understood the importance of these issues, which are crucial both for the development of the U.S.-China bilateral relationship and for the future of the Internet in global terms. I hope that the EU too will get involved in similar dialogues. Europe should not be left out of such important discussions.
