US Secretary of State John Kerry, as a special representative of US President Barack Obama, delivers a speech during the sixth round of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2014. [Xinhua photo] |
Firstly, the negotiation of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) should be driven forward. The accumulated volume of investment between China and the United States has exceeded 100 billion US dollars. Investment from China to the US has been soaring in recent years, making U.S. the second largest overseas destination of Chinese investment. Positive progress has been made after several rounds of BIT negotiations. The two sides should roll up their sleeves to speed up the negotiations for an early conclusion. This will give fresh and strong impetus to the growth of China-US economic ties in the long run.
Secondly, the challenge of climate change should be addressed. Both China and the United States are confident and determined to achieve their respective targets of carbon emission reduction by 2020, and are working on their plans for further reduction beyond 2020. At the same time, the two countries are actively promoting cooperation on clean energy and energy efficiency. These efforts will not only benefit the people of China and the US now but also future generations. This perfectly illustrates the strategic significance of China-US cooperation in a broad global perspective.
Thirdly, China and the US should further strengthen their military-to-military relations. Chinese Naval vessels are participating in the RIMPAC2014 in Hawaii. The two militaries are pushing forward consultations to put in place a mutual notification mechanism of major military action and a code of conduct of naval and air military security on the high seas. Cultivating habits of cooperation and refraining from rivalry are essential for deepened mutual trust and enhanced strategic stability between the two nations.
The two governments are also exploring the possibility of extending the term of validity of business and student visas on a reciprocal basis. An agreement in this regard would enable Chinese and Americans to enjoy more "think-and-go" travels, which would help to promote cooperation and friendship between the two nations.
Both China and the US also reaffirmed the right approach to manage their differences. It's natural for two large countries like China and the US to have some differences. The key to overcoming these differences has proven to be the principles of mutual respect and equality. As President Xi Jinping quoted from Confucius in his speech, “no one should do to others what he does not want others to do to himself”. The American side obviously embraced this ancient Chinese philosophy as a Golden Rule. Therefore the crux of the issue will be how to abide by this rule in the real world.
Both sides agreed that there is no direct conflict of interests and irreconcilable contradiction on maritime issues between them. The American side reiterated that they take no position on the territorial and maritime disputes in the region. In fact, the two countries share significant common interests in securing freedom of navigation as well as safeguarding maritime security, and that would entail effective China-US cooperation and collaboration.
Both China and the US are proud nations with great dignity. So-called Microphone Diplomacy will not do any good and will only lead to complications and an escalation of tensions. The only wise and proper approach to address those thorny issues is to have candid and constructive dialogue, and to work together in good faith to find solutions.
It is indeed a daunting task for China and the US to explore and build a new model of major-power relations. This requires not only strategic reaffirmation but also reassurance in real actions. Both sides need to translate their strategic consensus and good will into actual policies and activities. That will serve the best interests of China, the United States, and the world at large.
Xue Junying is a Researcher at the US Center of the China Foundation for International Studies.
This article was first published at Chinausfocus.com To see the original version please visit http://www.chinausfocus.com/foreign-policy/strategic-reaffirmation-on-the-china-us-relations/