Three principles in China-US relations
- By Wang Yiwei
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E-mail China.org.cn, February 19, 2014
The characteristics of the new type of great power relationship are non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation. They are applicable to bilateral, regional and global governance issues at all levels between China and the United States. After all, the China-U.S. relationship has far-reaching regional and global implications.
As early as 2,400 years ago, the Peloponnesian War (431-404 B.C.) took place between the Athenian empire and Peloponnesian league, out of fear of the growing power and prosperity of Athens, led by the Spartans. The ancient Greek historian Thucydides later referred to the relation between a rising power and an established ruling power as "Thucydides Trap." China and the United States should set an example for relations between major powers and avoid such a trap. In recognizing this, the actions of the two powers are unprecedented.
The Asia Pacific region is where China and the United States share the most interests and have the most frequent interactions. Mutual respect means respecting each other's interests and concerns. For the United States, it means its system of alliances, and its political, economic, diplomatic and military influence. The United States doesn't want to be excluded from Asian affairs. Therefore, China has shown its sincerity in establishing the new type of relationship with the United States when it says it welcomes a constructive role of the United States in the Asia Pacific region. Meanwhile, China has repeatedly urged the United States to respect historical facts in the East China Sea and South China Sea issues, and respect China's sovereignty and interests by not choosing sides.
China-U.S. cooperation will not only benefit the two peoples but also the peoples of the world. As the largest developing country and the largest developed country, China and the United States have the most important roles in the world order and the future of the mankind. The development of China-U.S. relations will determine whether the world will repeat the tragedies of the 20th century in the 21st century or usher in a brand new world order.
These three principles in China-U.S. relations are a summary of 35 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Based on historical experience, a confrontational China-U.S. relationship does no one any good. Only by respecting each other's interests and concerns can the two countries enjoy steady and sound development, and promote regional peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region. In the future, China and the United States should work out a way to shelve their differences and actively seek cooperation.
The author is a senior research fellow at the Charhar Institute, and dean of the School of International Studies at Renmin University.
This article was translated by Li Huiru. Its original unabridged version was published in Chinese.
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