By Augustus K. Yeung
Introduction
"Debate is the process of inquiry and advocacy, the seeking of reasoned judgment on a proposition. Debate may be used by the individual to reach a decision in his or her own mind, it may be used by an individual or a group seeking to secure a decision from others," said American scholar, Austin J. Freeley, an "ARGUMENTATION & DEBATE" expert.
The recent debate hosted by China's national Tsinghua University carries significant meanings: Beijing prefers dialogue to conflict as a way of solving differences. Moreover, one of the most meaningful activities of university education comes in the form of hosting seminars, debates, or speeches, inviting world leaders in various fields such as international relations, entrepreneurship, or diplomacy, etc.
This debate also answers the repeated call of President Xi Jinping who underlines the importance of "building peace talks", or dialogues.
In this context, the following "clash of the titans", or hot debate that took place yesterday between the US and Russian ambassadors over Ukraine as well as Beijing's possible role in mediating the crisis would be a rare joint opportunity. ("US and Russian envoys exchange barbs in Beijing". South China Morning Post, Tuesday, July 5, 2022.)
Nicholas Burns, the U.S. Ambassador Fired the First Shot…
Nicholas Burns, the United States ambassador, told the World Peace Forum in Beijing that Russia's "unprovoked" invasion was "the greatest threat to the world order."
"Russian's war in Ukraine, the fact that Russia crossed the border with an armed force, unprovoked, and has started this war with so much human suffering, so many innocent civilians dead – this is a direct violation of the UN charter," the ambassador told the event, which was hosted by Tsinghua University.
He also warned that other countries were suffering because Russia's blockade of Ukraine's ports had disrupted grain exports.
"There's a food security crisis. It's been compounded by this illegal, unjust and brutal war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine," he said.
Andrey Denisov, the Russian Ambassador Produced Evidence in Rebuttal of the Charge…
But Andrey Denisov, the Russian ambassador, who spoke after Burns, said he "totally disagree" with the comments and said his American counterpart had ignored the backdrop of NATO expansion. Denisov said: "NATO, in essence, is involved in the war with Russian through proxies."
He added: "There is no blockade [of grain exports]. All the corridors are open. The latest step by Russia is withdrawing troops from Snake Island.
(Snake Island, a critical outpost for controlling Black Sea shipping lanes, was abandoned by Russian forces last week in what Moscow said was a gesture of goodwill. Ukraine said the Russians had been forced to retreat.)
Denisov praised Beijing for its "reasonable and balanced" approach, adding "Basically, our colleagues here in China say that they clearly know where the roots of the Ukraine crisis are."
(China has so far refused to condemn Russia's invasion and has criticized the imposition of sanctions and NATO's eastwards expansions, saying the alliance has created more conflicts rather than resolving problems.)
He said China has been calling on all sides to take a constructive position. And suggested it may be able to "play a role" as a mediator.
He said: "China has a good relationship with Ukraine. And that's where I hope that in one way China can send some kind of signal to our neighbors to be more realistic."
Caroline Wilson, the British Ambassador Sided with Nicholas Burns…
The British and French ambassadors also spoke at the event, with the UK envoy Caroline Wilson joining Burns to dismiss claims that NATO, which she described as a "pure defensive alliance", was a threat to Russia.
"Russia has a border of 20,000km. and it is an extremely big country," she said.
"One 16th of that border is with NATO countries, so the prime responsibility of the war is clear, the prime responsibility is with Russia."
Burns had earlier said: "You [Russia] accepted NATO enlargement. You dealt with all these countries, and now you try to say that somehow they don't have a right to their own independence and sovereignty."
Laurent Bili, the French Ambassador Suggested What China Could Do to Help…
The French ambassador, Laurent Bili, said China and Europe both wanted a peaceful solution and should work together to stop the fighting and increase humanitarian assistance, particularly to help "alleviate the consequences of the war".
"For example, China can join in Food and Agriculture Organization activities, to get Russia to stop blocking food exports from Ukraine and to solve the problem of the food crisis," he said.
(Burns also accused China of spreading "Russian propaganda" and urged foreign ministry spokespeople to "stop accusing NATO of starting the war".)
(He said: "I would hope the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson would also stop telling lies about American bio-weapons labs, which do not exist in Ukraine…These lies are the behavior of an authoritarian regime that routinely doesn't tell the truth.")
(Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian rejected Burn's criticisms, telling a press briefing on Monday: "It is the US official that has been spreading disinformation.")
Jia Qingguo, an international relations professor at Peking University, told the event that although NATO had not threatened Russia, Moscow felt that countries trying to join the bloc were hostile towards it.
"The fact is, you can say that NATO has not threatened Russia," he said, "But the problem is Russia feels that way."
Conclusion
Colleges and universities have been criticized for being "ivory towers", secluded from the real world, rendering students socially inept, not being able to understand, articulate and solve problems pragmatically. Tsing Wah University's attempt to play host provided a leading example for timely turning the tide.
President Xi Jinping too has recently advocated expanding and reforming the nation's colleges and universities. This world-class debate hosted by Tsing Wah University serves as a case in point for top Chinese students to horn their critical thinking skills.
The author is a freelance writer; formerly Adjunct Lecturer, taught MBA Philosophy of Management, and International Strategy, and online columnist of 3-D Corner (HKU SPACE), University of Hong Kong.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
Read more articles by Augustus K. Yeung:
Opinion | The role of Hainan cross-Straits integration through positive experience
Opinion | Xi's commitment to 'one country, two systems' makes HK a connector of East and West
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