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The US and China: A Complex Relationship

As both competitors and partners, the US and China have a complex relationship. This week, ties between the world’s two biggest economies were strained by the diplomatic storm over blind dissident Chen Guangcheng and his effort to seek refuge at the US Embassy in Beijing. To discuss the controversy and US-China relations, Wilson Center Director Jane Harman sits down with The Daily Rundown’s Chuck Todd.

Jane Harman on the Daily Rundown

"It feels like there are two Chinas, the old China--repressive, censorship. If censorship continues in China they will never innovate which means their economy will never be competitive in some future decade....There is a tension between the old China and new China, and maybe this fifth generation, when it takes power early next year, will open up China," said Jane Harman today on The Daily Rundown with Chuck Todd.

On the situation with Chen Guangcheng, the blind dissident:

"We have a complicated relationship with China. it is competitive and cooperative. Usually presidents find their balance. I think this administration until now has found its balance. I have to believe in good faith and competently they negotiated a deal with a willing partner. How it went south I'm not sure."

Watch the full segment:

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