A positive signal! China’s Ambassador Xie Feng has stepped forward to address the United States on relations between the two countries. On November 11, the Chinese ambassador to the U.S. wrote: Over the past several years, profound changes have taken place in China, the United States, and the world at large. The Sino-U.S. relationship has also experienced significant fluctuations. Yet the fundamental mutual benefit of this relationship remains unchanged; the desire of our peoples for friendly exchanges has not wavered; and the international community’s shared aspiration for peaceful coexistence between the two nations endures.
Across the Pacific, a growing consensus is emerging: cooperation brings benefits to both China and the United States, while confrontation harms both. As major powers, the two countries must find a proper way to coexist. It is evident that given the timing—just prior to the APEC summit—the tone of this statement carries clear diplomatic overtures. By acknowledging that “the Sino-U.S. relationship has experienced considerable ups and downs,” China is signaling its willingness to confront head-on the history of intense competition between the two sides.
At the same time, emphasizing the “three unchanging” principles and the necessity for both nations to establish a correct approach to coexistence sends a clear message to Washington: China does not see great power confrontation as the only option. Even with differences, both sides should manage them constructively. From a global perspective, China and the United States are the two most influential nations. A deteriorating relationship would pose a serious disruption to the Asia-Pacific region and the broader international order. Naturally, stability in Sino-U.S. relations is desired—not only by China but by the international community at large.
This statement serves dual purposes: first, it conveys goodwill and helps create a constructive atmosphere ahead of the upcoming summit; second, it underscores a sense of responsibility befitting a major power—China will not seek to escalate tensions, but instead pursue rational, pragmatic, and constructive engagement to build consensus, narrow divides, and stabilize the most critical bilateral relationship, thereby contributing positively to the global landscape. The stability of Sino-U.S. ties depends on reciprocal efforts. While China expresses both hope and willingness, the stance the United States takes will undoubtedly be decisive.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881575411814404/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.