Professor Zheng Yongnian, of the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore took time out of his visit to Beijing for the China Development Forum to accept an invitation from the Department of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs at China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) on March 22. He had discussions with faculty members from the hosting department and also the Institute of International Relations.

    Professor Zheng talked about a number of topical issues. In terms of Sino-U.S. relations, he said China should understand Donald Trump correctly. Most of the Chinese elite has a bad impression of President Trump thanks to the U.S. elite, which criticizes and belittles him. Professor Zheng said this attitude is wrong.

   As a practical and successful businessman, President Trump makes the right diagnosis of the problems facing the United States. He who lays more emphasis on trade and tangible economic interests is easier to deal with than Democrats such as Hillary Clinton and former President Obama with their emphasis on ideology. While President Trump brings uncertainty, he also presents opportunities. The first consideration in dealing with President Trump should be given to the states and interest groups he wants to benefit. Though it is unknown whether he will be successful, we must know what President Trump wants.

   With regard to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Professor Zheng thinks China’s acceptance of the TPP will make it more difficult to develop relations with the Trump administration. He said China should give priority to development rather than rule making. When China is developed and powerful, the rules it makes will have natural followers.

   On the North Korean nuclear issue, Professor Zheng said it has posed a huge security threat to China. The successful solution of this issue will not only testify to China’s position as a major power, but will also yield a good outcome for the solution of the Taiwan question and South China Sea disputes.

   Faculty members Su Hao, Xiong Wei, Qu Bo, and Liang Xiaojun had candid exchanges with Professor Zheng on such issues as China’s foreign strategy, populism, and the “One Belt and Road” initiative.