KEY TAKEWAYS

• Get the full story with Business English Lessons today!

• Victor Gao is a notable figure in Chinese international relations holding the position of Vice President at the Center for China and Globalization

• Victor Gao: His extensive expertise in diplomacy, international law, and business grants him a distinctive viewpoint on China’s global ambitions

• Gao’s insights are crucial for understanding China’s strategies on the global stage, especially as the country’s role as a global power is increasingly examined

• Victor Gao said that all Chinese people support Xi Jinping The President of China. However voices out of China and around the world dispute that falsehood

VICTOR GAO: The Man & The Double Speak

Daniel TJ International Reporter Tokyo, Japan

Academic and Professional Background

Victor Gao began his academic journey at Nanjing University, where he earned a degree in English Literature. This education provided him with essential language skills for his future diplomatic career.

He then furthered his studies at Yale Law School, where he obtained a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. This advanced education deepened his understanding of international law and prepared him for a career at the crossroads of legal and diplomatic fields.

Gao’s diplomatic career started during a transformative time for China. He served as an interpreter for Deng Xiaoping, a key leader in China's modernization.

This role gave him invaluable insight into China's leadership strategies during a critical period of opening up to the world. Gao also worked with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, contributing to significant diplomatic missions that shaped China’s international stance.

His experience at the United Nations further expanded his global perspective, allowing him to engage with a broad spectrum of international actors.

Transition to International Business

After his career in diplomacy, Victor Gao transitioned to the international business sector. He held senior positions in various financial institutions and multinational corporations.

This experience provided him with valuable insights into the economic forces shaping international relations and established him as a sought-after advisor for companies navigating the complexities of the Chinese market.

Leadership at the Center for China and Globalization

As Vice President of the Center for China and Globalization, Gao has played a key role in shaping discussions on China’s global strategy.

The CCG, founded in 2008, focuses on globalization, international trade, and China’s international policies.

Under Gao’s leadership, the think tank has become a significant platform for analyzing China’s economic reforms, trade policies, and initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

His work has had a considerable impact on how China’s rise is perceived globally.

Media Presence and Public Engagement

Victor Gao frequently appears in international media, offering insights into China’s foreign policy and domestic issues.

His ability to clearly articulate China’s perspectives has made him a respected figure in news programs, panel discussions, and international forums.

Gao’s media presence allows him to influence global understanding of China’s policies as it continues to emerge as a major global power.

In addition to his media engagements, Gao is an active author and public speaker. He contributes to academic journals, online magazines, and newspapers, and frequently speaks at universities, think tanks, and international conferences.

His expertise on topics such as China’s international strategy, global governance, and the legal aspects of international relations is highly valued.

Xi Jinping’s Political Power and Leadership

A notable aspect of modern China that Victor Gao frequently addresses is the leadership of Xi Jinping. Xi’s rise to power has been marked by a significant consolidation of authority.

In 2018, Xi Jinping secured an extension of his presidency beyond the traditional two terms, effectively allowing him to remain in power indefinitely.

Xi's influence has extended further with the addition of his name to the Chinese constitution, solidifying his position.

This addition to the constitution has sparked debates about Xi’s leadership and its implications for China’s political future. The question often arises whether Xi Jinping’s leadership style aligns with the characteristics of a dictator.

By definition, a dictator usually holds absolute power, often without the free consent of the governed and with little to no competition in elections. Xi’s unchallenged position within the CCP and his ability to extend his term limits suggest he might fit this definition.

However, within China, this consolidation of power is often presented as necessary for maintaining stability and ensuring the country’s continued rise on the global stage.

Victor Gao tends to support the view that Xi’s strong, centralized leadership is crucial for China’s strategic interests.

He argues that such leadership is essential for addressing the complex challenges China faces both domestically and internationally.

Gao emphasizes that under Xi, China has pursued ambitious goals in economic reform, technological innovation, and global influence, which requires a stable and consistent leadership.

Victor Gao’s Views on Japan’s Unconditional Surrender

Victor Gao has strong opinions on Japan’s unconditional surrender at the end of World War II, especially in relation to the United States and China.

He argues that Japan’s surrender to the U.S. marked a significant shift in East Asia, establishing the United States as the dominant power in the region.

For China, Gao sees Japan’s surrender as a key moment that reinforced China’s role as a major player in Asia.

He believes that China’s role in Japan’s defeat, despite its weakened state after years of conflict, was crucial in reshaping the regional order.

China-India Border Dispute and Military Spending

Gao has also addressed the ongoing land disputes between China and India, particularly in regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

He acknowledges the historical complexity of these disputes and advocates for a diplomatic resolution. Gao points out that China’s increasing military spending reflects its need to protect national sovereignty and ensure security in a volatile region.

He emphasizes that while China’s military capabilities have grown, the country remains committed to peaceful development and prefers to resolve disputes through dialogue.

The One-China Policy and Taiwan’s Historical Context

Victor Gao is a firm advocate of the One-China Policy, which asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.

He views this policy as non-negotiable and a core principle of China’s foreign policy. Gao is indifferent to international criticism of China’s stance on Taiwan, considering the policy a fundamental matter of national sovereignty.

Historically, Taiwan’s ties with mainland China have been complex. The island was governed by China during the Qing Dynasty in the late 1600s but was ceded to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895.

Following Japan’s surrender after World War II, Taiwan was returned to Chinese control.

However, after the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the Nationalist government retreated to Taiwan, resulting in the current situation where the People’s Republic of China (PRC) claims Taiwan as a province, despite Taiwan operating as a separate political entity.

Gao argues that China’s historical governance of Taiwan supports its current claims and maintains that the One-China Policy is rooted in a long-standing national principle.

While he emphasizes that China prefers peaceful reunification, Gao also asserts that China will not hesitate to use force if necessary to uphold its claim over Taiwan.

The Uyghur Issue and Allegations of Genocide

The Uyghurs, a Muslim ethnic minority in China’s Xinjiang region, have been at the center of international controversy.

Allegations of human rights abuses and genocide against the Uyghur population have drawn global criticism.

The Chinese government is accused of detaining over a million Uyghurs in what it describes as "re-education camps," which critics argue are tools for forced assimilation and cultural erasure.

Reports of forced labor, mass sterilizations, and the destruction of Uyghur cultural sites have further fueled accusations of genocide.

Victor Gao has consistently defended China’s policies in Xinjiang, framing them as necessary measures to combat terrorism and maintain social stability.

He rejects the genocide allegations, arguing that the international community misunderstands China’s actions, which he claims focus on economic development and integrating the Uyghur population into broader Chinese society.

Gao insists that the allegations are part of a broader effort to discredit China’s rise and maintains that Xinjiang’s development is evidence of the government’s positive impact on the region.

Minders in China: Their Role in Society

Minders, individuals assigned to accompany and monitor foreign visitors, play a significant role in Chinese society, particularly regarding government oversight.

These minders ensure that visitors adhere to the rules and expectations set by Chinese authorities. In practice, minders often accompany foreign journalists, diplomats, and researchers during their visits to China, especially in sensitive regions like Xinjiang or Tibet.

Victor Gao has commented on the role of minders, suggesting that they are necessary for maintaining order and protecting national security, particularly when foreign visitors may have their own agendas that could conflict with China’s interests.

He argues that minders help ensure that foreign perceptions of China are not skewed by misunderstandings or misinformation.

According to Gao, the presence of minders is a practical measure, reflecting the government’s commitment to managing how China is represented internationally.

Minders also act as intermediaries between the state and foreign entities, helping to convey the government’s messages and ensuring that visitors do not inadvertently violate local laws or customs.

While this practice has faced criticism as restrictive, Gao views it as a necessary aspect of China’s efforts to manage its image and maintain control over sensitive issues.

Is China Preparing for War?

The notion that China is preparing for war is a subject of significant debate. Historically, China has emphasized peaceful development and has consistently stated that its military expansion is defensive rather than offensive.

However, China’s increasing military budget, modernization of its armed forces, and assertive stance in territorial disputes have raised concerns among neighboring countries and global powers.

Victor Gao argues that China’s military developments do not indicate preparations for war but rather reflect a response to the evolving security environment in Asia and beyond.

He emphasizes that China’s primary focus is on securing its national interests and ensuring stability in its region.

According to Gao, while China is committed to defending its sovereignty, it remains focused on peaceful development and resolving conflicts through diplomacy rather than military confrontation.

A Hypothetical Comparison

In light of Xi Jinping’s addition of his name to the Chinese constitution, a question arises about what might happen in the United States if a similar action were taken.

Specifically, what if Donald Trump had added his name to the American Constitution during his presidency?

Such a move would likely provoke a significant and contentious response, reflecting the complexities of American democratic principles and constitutional norms.

SIDEBAR: What one says and what one does is always on the minds of the international community. The international community hears what China says, however we also understand what China actually does.

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