Joint Fight Against Cancer Can Help Re-Energize U.S.-China Ties, Kevin Rudd Says
Russell Flannery, Forbes, December 5, 2022
Kevin Rudd, CEO of Asia Society, highlighted the significance of collaboration between the U.S. and China in combating cancer as a means to rejuvenate their relationship post the recent summit between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping. The meeting at the G20 summit in Bali emphasized the need to revitalize the U.S.-China bilateral ties following a period of strain. Rudd emphasized that stabilizing the relationship was crucial, with both leaders discussing the importance of establishing security measures and strategic guardrails to manage competition while preserving essential national security aspects such as Taiwan.
Rudd pointed out the potential for collaboration in the fight against cancer between institutions like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and Chinese Thoracic Oncology Group (CTONG), aligning with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot Initiative. He stressed the importance of this collaboration not only in finding a cure for cancer but also in advancing cancer treatment research and making it accessible to patients worldwide. The aim is not only to combat cancer but to also manage the disease effectively, as it claims many more lives globally than Covid-19.
The event, which drew an online audience of over 20,000 in China, delved into topics such as international clinical trials with liquid biopsies and biomarker technology for lung cancer treatment. Key figures present included Bob Li from MSK, Yi-Long Wu from CTONG, and Richard Pazdur from the FDA. The focus on leveraging joint efforts in the fight against cancer not only reflects a shared goal of finding a cure but also serves as a platform for diplomatic initiatives aimed at fortifying the U.S.-China relationship through mutually beneficial collaborations in critical health sectors.
