Oxford Debate: Will Europe Choose the U.S. Over China?

October 6, 2020 — In this Oxford Debate, experts from European think tanks debate whether Europe will choose the U.S. over China. Participants include Ivana Karásková, Andrew Small, Alicja Bachulska, and Plamen Tonchev.  (55 min., 19 sec.)

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[maribelsw]

Unfortunately, I don't find this debate is valuable at all. Some of the basic statement / arguments sound absurd and silly. Like the first lady (Ivana?) said sth. like EU acts out of good will ... I don't know how goodwill is measured in intl politics and trade negotiation. EU acts out of its own interests and what dose it mean by China has not delivered ... China never ever said it will change into a liberal democracy, never said it will surrender its claim on Taiwan, nor South China Sea for a seat in WTO ... although yes Xi's China has a rather assertive stance and pissed off quite many.

[wk]

Totally off the mark. Don't understand how they can present themselves as Chinese experts.

[patbyrneme]

What a tragedy. This debate demonstrates once again how far the EU has travelled away from the old and relatively progressive Social Europe to a reactionary neo-Liberal institution. The debate should have been on whether Europe should be a partner of China's or a rival. A key issue full of options rather than something on which we should just assume the rival position. But the obvious consensus on this panel and the Asian Society was that it should be a rival.
China's rise will not be stopped by European and US actions. In fact such actions will accelerate the decline of the the EU and North America.
The underlying problem for Europe is that is not trying to understand why China's economy is moving forward so strongly or to learn from it. And thus it will fall further and further behind with all the inevitable consequences.

[diogenemenotios]

Participating in a debate by reading a cold scripted texte ! 🤔

[maofei]

'Western value' is not so confusing nowadays. Respect both side and find common ground, and be yourself!

[liveinsea]

They are scholars not the European country leaders and they could say whatever they want to say. But the European leaders will have to consider something more practical to make the big decision. There is a Chinese old saying: Water that is too clear has few fish, and one who is too critical has few friends. China is the future. I know you hate muddy water, but if you want to catch some fish for your dinner, don't do fishing in your swimming pool.

[maribelsw]

Plus, there is no denial there's mishandling of the origin of the current pandemic in China and it should be sorry for that, to its own citizens first. However, it's so not smart to use this to argue the motion. The question is despite seeing China's suffering/struggle/hardline lockdown, seeing Lombardi's suffering in Feb/Mar, pretty much all European countries failed miserably not only in the first wave, but also in the 2nd one. All the East Asian countries, despite their proximity to China pulled through.

[heinzreudigiger]

EU/China already signed the CAI investment treaty.

[yttean]

Mr Tonchev, why you are using valuable time congratulating your opponents, eh?
Realistically Chian's economy is recovery whereas the rest of the world is still doldrums, can Europe will continue to avoid China and still choose the US? If yes think again. The issues discussed here are periphery.