Building a New Relationship Model for China and the U.S.

Seeking Common Ground and Choosing the Broad Way

Where Sino-U.S. ties are headed will influence not only the two parties but also peace and development in Asia and the world. It is a fact that there will be bumps on the road now and then. Another fact is the growth of their mutual interests. China and the U.S. should hold further honest dialogues and collaboration, and work to transform their agreements on paper into tangible results. This will give substantive meaning to the “new model of major country relations” for the two nations and ensure that the ship of bilateral ties can navigate obstacles and forge ahead. To achieve this goal, emphasis should be placed on three aspects.

First, handle bilateral ties on the basis of mutual respect. As two big countries with different domestic conditions, China and the U.S. should objectively and rationally assess each other’s strategic intentions, respect each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, political systems, development paths, core interests and major concerns, as well as try to understand each other’s cultural traditions and ways of thinking. They should not impose their will or approaches on the other party. These are the preconditions and bases for the development of a healthy and stable relationship.

China’s pledge to follow the path of peaceful development is not expediency or a diplomatic platitude. It is a national policy that embodies China’s ideological confidence and behavioral conscience. A China that develops itself peacefully should not be deemed a threat to the U.S. But China should not be the only country pursuing peaceful development; peaceful coexistence won’t be possible on the global scale until all countries on the planet follow this path. China genuinely aspires to and needs peaceful development, but this in no way means that it will sacrifice its sovereignty and core interests.

As China becomes more actively involved in international affairs, the world will place greater expectations on it. The U.S. should develop a rational opinion of and adapt to China’s transformation, welcoming its development and success with the normal frame of mind and at the same time finding opportunities for cooperation. It is not advisable for certain people to stick to Cold War thinking and bet on the containment policy. The right direction of Sino-U.S. relations, which is a fundamental issue, cannot afford any strategic missteps.

Second, exchanges and cooperation in all aspects should be deepened. As allies in the anti-fascism war and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and the U.S. are both beneficiaries and defenders of the current international order. China is willing to join hands with the U.S. in propelling international systems in a more equitable and reasonable direction, and in coping with various regional and global challenges. It is open to communication, coordination and collaboration on such global and regional issues as the nuclear programs in Iran and North Korea, conflicts in Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, climate change, contagious diseases, defending world peace, and promoting human development.

On the Asia-Pacific, President Xi was quoted as saying that “the Pacific Ocean is big enough for both China and the U.S.” The two countries are supposed to engage in active, positive interactions in the region, promote inclusive diplomacy and play a constructive role in regional peace, stability and prosperity.

China and the U.S. share a vast range of interests and a solid foundation for cooperation, trade and the economy acting as the ballast of bilateral ties. The negotiation for a bilateral investment treaty has not yet borne fruit. Still more efforts should be made in increasing American exports to China and Chinese investments in the U.S. China also hopes that the U.S. government and Congress will loosen their restrictions on Chinese businesses. Practical cooperation should be enhanced between their militaries and in counter-terrorism, energy, public security, law enforcement, and infrastructure. Exchanges in other fields should be advanced to give new momentum to bilateral ties.

Third, explore new methods to control and manage divergences. It is no surprise that two countries that are at different stages of development, of disparate social systems, cultural traditions, and economic interests may have disagreements and misunderstandings. The wise approach for China and the U.S. is to focus on long-term benefits and resort to dialogue and negotiations on an equal footing. They should not allow a single issue or a single situation to undermine the foundation for stable relationship growth; instead they must handle differences and sensitive issues in a constructive manner and avoid hurting each other’s core interests.

On disagreements over values, China and the U.S. can enhance mutual trust and dissipate suspicions through communication. Negotiation is the best solution, and both sides should be cautious not to politicalize trade and economic issues. Even structural, incompatible conflicts should be controlled to avoid misjudgment. In this regard, setting up mechanisms to prevent and properly handle crises is vital for preventing any lapses that may escalate a smoldering issue into a confrontation.

President Xi’s upcoming state visit to the U.S. will be another milestone in Sino-U.S. relations. This is the time to reiterate several diplomatic adages: “Command a higher position so as to see far and wide,” “peace brings benefits to both sides and contention hurts all,” and “no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.” It is also the time to reaffirm the call of the times, which is peace, cooperation, and development.

China is ready to develop a relationship with the U.S. that stands on mutual respect, inclusiveness, strategic mutual trust and extensive exchanges and cooperation, which it believes will benefit the two countries and the world. But, of course, building this new model of major country relations requires that China and the U.S. move in the same direction.