During the recent S&ED, high-level decision-makers from both countries reached a consensus on how to regulate the future direction of bilateral relations. On February 14, while meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Xi asked the Kerry to tell Obama: “The Chinese side is resolutely dedicated to working together with the US in building a new-type major-country relationship between China and the United States, and willing to enhance dialogue, increase mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and properly handle differences with the US, promoting continuous, healthy and steady progress of the new-type major-country relationship.” In a written message, Obama said the US side is committed to building a new-type of major-country relationship with China, reinforcing pragmatic cooperation, and constructively dealing with differences. In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, Xi mentioned the “new-type major-country relationship” nine times.
Xi’s speech featured a more comprehensive and in-depth elaboration of the idea of the new-type of major-country relationship. First, both sides should increase mutual trust and maintain a clear sense of direction. To realize the Chinese Dream, China is determined to follow a path of peaceful development; adhere to its diplomatic philosophy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefits and tolerance in the neighborhood; and develop friendly ties with all countries in the world. This promise shows that China will not challenge or change the status quo. Misjudging China’s strategic intentions will lead to mistakes of enormous proportions. Second, the two parties should respect each other, accumulate common interests, and resolve their differences. China and the US share a number of common interests, which forms the foundation of collaboration. The two should therefore try to manage their differences in a constructive manner. In the meantime, they should show patience, and not be distracted by occasional nasty words or deeds. They should manage their conflicts and frictions. Third, they should stick to equality and mutual benefits, and deepen their cooperation. In the world’s largest economies, common interests far outrun the differences in the face of regional and global challenges.
There is no historical precedent for building a new-type of major-country relationship. And, the establishment of such a relationship entails long-term effort. But, as Xi pointed out, such a relationship benefits both countries and the world at large. Challenging as it is, such an attempt will create a constructive model for future relations between rising powers and incumbent powers.
Fu Mengzi is Vice President of China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.
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