Debate "Housekeeping" (07:02)

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Moderator John Donvan provides the framework for the debate on the coronavirus reshaping the world order in China's favor, introduces panelists, and instructs viewers on voting and the chat box.

Opening Statements For: Kurt Campbell (04:08)

The Asia Group CEO & Former Diplomat Campbell states that the pandemic is the greatest upheaval in global politics since WWII. He cites three expectations of a global power during a pandemic.

Opening Statements Against: Minxin Pei (03:54)

Scholar & Author Pei believes the U.S. will correct the problems it currently faces. China does not have the resources to surge into the vacuum left by U.S. struggles.

Opening Statements For: Kishore Mahbubani (04:33)

Former UN Security Council President and Author Mahbubani states that the reshaping of the world order in China's favor will be viewed as a natural development. Perception determines the nature of world order. China's overall management of the pandemic is more competent than that of the U.S.

Opening Statements Against: Susan Thornton (04:39)

Yale's Paul Tsai China Center Senior Fellow and Former Diplomat Thornton believes the impact of the coronavirus will result in a net negative for China in the areas of influence, economic growth, stability, security, and soft power. China has taken multiple hits to its reputation.

Does China's Behavior Represent Liabilities? (08:57)

Donvan summarizes opening statements. Campbell states that most countries see China as a surging power. Pei counters that China misuses power. Mahbubani shares remarks on how the West has handled the pandemic.

Power Vacuum (09:44)

Thornton believes determining which country best managed the pandemic is an open question. She and Pei state that China has failed to capitalize on U.S. failures. Campbell counters with a World Organization example. Mahbubani argues that China is the top trading power.

U.S. Soft Power and China's COVID-19 Response (07:09)

Thornton acknowledges that the U.S. has lacked astuteness in its diplomacy but states the coronavirus will negatively impact the Chinese economy. Panelists consider whether China will become a model for authoritarian government in other countries.

Countries Under the U.S. Security Umbrella (05:23)

Panelists consider whether traditional allies will be forced to choose sides between China and the U.S. in the post-COVID-19 era. Many countries try to have economic relations with China and allied relations with the U.S.

Changing U.S. Impressions (04:33)

Pei states that the U.S. can course correct with a leadership change. Mahbubani believes structural failures and bad leadership are responsible for pandemic management failures in the U.S.

COVID-19 Vaccine Development (07:20)

Campbell believes China has a globalist view in terms of treatment unlike the Trump Administration; the Trump Administration would likely not accept any solutions from China. Thornton counters that a joint effort is necessary to deliver a vaccine to the global population. Panelists discuss power.

Closing Statements For: Campbell (01:40)

China has surged into the power vacuum left by the United States despite initial mismanagement of the pandemic. The U.S. can rebound.

Closing Statements Against: Thornton (02:13)

China's global power has been increasing for decades but it has been unable to capitalize on U.S. struggles. China's initial mismanagement of the pandemic and subsequent comments has diminished its influence.

Closing Statements For: Mahbubani (02:25)

Growing up poor in a poor society provides an understanding of the aspirations of developing countries. Asian respect for China has increased.

Closing Statements Against: Pei (01:58)

Follow the money path. Many of China's wealthy citizens are moving smart money to Bulgaria.

Voting and Support (03:33)

Donvan thanks panelists and viewers, instructs the audience to vote, and provides donation information. Intelligence Squared is a philanthropy.

Credits: Coronavirus Will Reshape the World Order in China's Favor: A Debate (00:14)

Credits: Coronavirus Will Reshape the World Order in China's Favor: A Debate