2020年5月5日，上海国际问题研究院学术委员会主任杨洁勉主持召开了“加强国际抗疫合作和维护中美关系”视频会议之六。中方与会者有：上海国际问题研究院院长陈东晓、国际战略研究所所长吴莼思。美方与会者有：耶鲁大学研究员、原代理助理国务卿董云裳（Susan Thornton），哥伦比亚大学教授、原副助理国务卿柯庆生（Thomas Christensen）以及卡内基国际和平基金会副会长、原副助理国务卿方艾文（Evan Feigenbaum）。双方与会者就以下三个问题进行了深入的研讨：一是当前疫情和美国大选对未来数年中美关系的影响；二是中美两国在地区和全球事务上的相互认知问题；三是未来两国斗争与合作的可能和途径。

杨洁勉主任认为，中美关系中主要有四个相互认知方面的问题，一是对于世界领导地位的认知，二是在国际体系和全球治理中扮演的角色，三是实现目标的途径，四是如何看待民意。

杨洁勉主任关于中美关系的四项认知问题发言稿（英文）

Four Perception Issues in China-US Relations

Jiemian YANG

First, it is about world leadership. The United States under whoever's presidency will cling to the world leadership. All the American presidents want very much to keep the world leadership but they differ in how and the accompanying obligations and responsibilities. China is not seeking overall world leadership but for the respect and rights in consistency to its present and future status.

Second, it is about international system and global governance. China claims itself as a participant, beneficiary, defender and reformer of the current international system. China believes that the reform and building of international system takes long time and needs maximum supports of the entire international community the United States included. Regarding the United States, it is in a very special period with the Trump administration. Maybe time and experience will make the final judgment whether the United States is a status quo or revisionist power.

Third, it is about respective approaches. Each side sometimes tries to use the fight against COVID-19 as a vindication of its own system. At this stage, the two countries should focus on learning from each other's strength and understand why China or the United States adopts its policy and way. For instance, how differently the two countries consider the prioritization and balance of public health and economy.

Fourth, it is about the public opinion. The pools and surveys might show deteriorating attitudes between the two countries and peoples. But this is neither static nor fully accurate. There are underlying favorable sentiments and opinions as well. And many enlightened people are also calling for cooperation in combating COVID-19.