The China Daily reported that USC Annenberg Dean Ernest J. Wilson III spoke at a forum on “Public Diplomacy in the Age of Globalization” in Beijing, and quoted him on the role China will play in the U.S. presidential elections.

Dean Wilson said that as the United States will hold presidential and congressional elections next year, China-U.S. relations have already become an important issue for both the Democrats and Republicans.

"They are already playing the China card," Dean Wilson said.

He suggested that China should advance its public diplomacy to the United States, suggesting short-term actions such as arranging more visits for university and media staff from each country, as well as longer-term actions such as encouraging people to visit the other country to learn about its people.

"Ultimately, I am very optimistic," Dean Wilson said. "I have been coming to China for 20 years, and I am just beginning to understand a little bit about your rich history and culture, and I am thirsty to learn much more."

Also on the panel were Zhao Qizheng, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Alistair M. Michie, honorary secretary of the 48 Group Club of Britain.

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