People's aspiration for peaceful Sino-US ties won't change

Engaging in discussions on the critical state of China-US relations is important for promoting mutual understanding.

The China-US Public Diplomacy Summit has been held for eight consecutive years since its inception in 2015 with the aim of providing innovative ideas to support the strategic development of the two countries.

By building a platform for diversified exchanges and intellectual dialogue, the public diplomacy forum aims to enhance mutual understanding within the global strategic community, prevent misunderstandings and misjudgments, and strengthen mutual trust and cooperation. In other words, the forum's goal is to enhance China's global discourse power and international influence.

In the current context of an era of great changes and China-US competition, strengthening cultural exchanges between the two countries is conducive to further advancing Sino-US relations in a healthy and stable direction. The foundation of Sino-US relations lies in the people, and drawing strength from the people of both countries to help consolidate Sino-US friendship has always been our common aspiration.

The Chinese leader has stressed the importance of increasing the number of flights between the two countries, promoting cooperation in the tourism sector, increasing local exchanges and strengthening educational cooperation, reducing the negative factors that hinder cultural exchanges, encouraging and supporting people-to-people communication and interaction, and facilitating the healthy and stable development of Sino-US relations. Through cultural exchanges, we will be able to not only promote friendship between the peoples of the two countries but also boost broader cooperation on a global scale.

Academic collaboration is an integral part of cultural exchanges, and China and the United States can strengthen cooperation in fields such as scientific research and technological innovation, jointly address global challenges, and contribute more to the progress of human society.

The development of the tourism industry is also an important manifestation of cultural exchanges. Through convenient visa policies and diverse tourism projects, China is encouraging more and more people to travel abroad and experience first-hand the cultures of other countries, and deepen mutual understanding and friendship.

Like in any other type of relationship, the younger generation is the future of China-US relationship. So by conducting more youth exchange programs, we can cultivate outstanding young people who understand each other's countries and lay a solid foundation for future friendly cooperation.

The China Public Diplomacy Association remains committed to promoting the healthy development of China-US relations. Through public, people-to-people and think tank diplomacy, the association has provided a bond, created a platform, and promoted mutual trust and mutual understanding, while facilitating cooperation between the two countries in cultural and educational fields.

I firmly believe that once the door of China-US relations is fully open, it will not close. It is thus mutually beneficial for China and the US to cooperate with, rather than confront, each other. The two sides should jointly explore the path of peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, effectively manage the differences, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and prevent disputes. The two sides should therefore intensify dialogue and communication, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen mutual understanding and trust, as the improvement of China-US relations is the common aspiration of the people and the prevailing trend.

In the course of history, the sands of time wash away all impurities. Regardless of the diplomatic and political developments, the historical logic of peaceful coexistence between China and the US and the fundamental desire for communication and cooperation between the two countries' peoples will not change nor will the universal expectation of the stable development of China-US ties by the people.

At this crossroad in China-US relations, the two countries should strengthen communication across all sectors, which is also the purpose of the China Public Diplomacy Association. It is my sincere hope that China and the US work together, move toward each other, respect each other, focus on cooperation, and work toward achieving greatness.

The author is the vice-president of China Public Diplomacy Association. This is excerpt of his speech at the 2023 China-US public diplomacy forum in Beijing on Dec 12.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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