Keywords in China’s 2015 Diplomatic Policies

Sino-U.S. Relations in Steady Progress  

Sino-U.S. relations experienced twists and turns last year. Even so, expert on American studies Zhao Mei believes that bilateral relations are progressing steadily. “Both sides have realized one another’s importance. It is impossible to neglect the necessity of bilateral cooperation.  Neither side can deal with terrorism or environmental issues without the other. The two powers are advised to sit together and jointly settle humankind’s common problems,” Zhao commented.

Zhang Yunling holds a positive view on Sino-U.S. cooperation: “There are good numbers of cooperative mechanisms in the economic field between the two sides. Never has an existing great power built such close economic ties with an emerging power,” Zhang said. “At present, economy is our main focus. But to advance bilateral relations to a comprehensive scope means enhancing security cooperation to guarantee the safety of the peripheral areas.”   

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted at the press conference China’s call to build a new model of major-country relations with the U.S.  “Countries may have different cultures, faiths or systems, but at the very least, we can all accept the idea of win-win cooperation,” he said.

Wang Yi said frankly at the press conference that the undertaking to build a new model of major-country relations is a pioneering effort, and will not be plain sailing. “It is a logical development because it is in line with the common interests of both China and the U.S. and the trend of the times.” Wang Yi suggested that the two countries, “… should not magnify problems through a microscope. Instead, they should use a telescope to look to the future and make sure we move forward in the right direction.” He went on to say that as long as the two sides show sincerity, buttress the bottom line of no-conflict and no-confrontation, and cement the foundation of mutual respect, “we can explore the immense possibility of win-win cooperation between China and the United States.”

President Xi Jinping’s upcoming state visit to the U.S., scheduled for autumn this year, will be a highlight in bilateral relations. According to Chen Jian, former UN under-secretary-general, it will infuse new momentum towards the new model of major-country relations between the two countries.

A Responsible Power

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. China will hold a military parade to commemorate the victory, and extend invitations to leaders of all the relevant countries. China and Russia, the two allied nations during the war, will also jointly hold a series of celebratory activities. Russian studies expert Wu Enyuan pointed out that China and Russia have solved all residual historical problems. Their two-way trade volume is expected to rise to US $100 billion this year, and the two sides will sign an agreement to work on the Silk Road Economic Belt.

At another press conference held in March, Chen Jining, newly appointed minister of environmental protection, urged developed countries to take the lead in emission reduction and shoulder their responsibilities under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by doing more to support developing countries, in terms of finance, technology and capacity building.

“Being a responsible power entails two facets – promoting the world’s development and maintaining world peace,” Fang Li said. “In this sense, China is indeed fulfilling its responsibilities.” He shared Wu Enyuan’s opinion, emphasizing that China should first develop itself and then get its say on the global platform. The country should give full play to its existing resources while adding greater potential momentum and new vitality to the country’s development.