Mutual understanding key to success of top China-US dialogue

BEIJING - The key annual dialogue between the world's two largest economies is well under way in Washington, with both sides being aware of the fact that the talks' outcome will not only affect the future of China-US ties but also that of the world.

Both sides also know the stakes are huge as the forum was convened at a crucial juncture for one of the world's most important bilateral relationships and could hopefully become a catalyst for fostering a new paradigm of the ties between the world's major countries.

A direct follow-up to last month's historic summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Barack Obama, this year's dialogue carries more weight and raises a lot of expectations.

Also, as the forum was held after recent leadership change in both nations, it also provided a golden opportunity for the newly-appointed high-level officials from both sides to build personal rapport.

The event began in a good atmosphere, with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang wittily likening the bilateral relationship to a "marriage" and US Vice President Joe Biden sincerely offering condolences to the families of the Chinese victims of the Asiana Airlines jet crash.

But to ensure successful outcomes of the event, greater mutual understanding is needed at the ongoing dialogue to get things done.

Bringing together hundreds of officials from more than 20 government agencies of both sides, the forum functions as an indispensable platform for the two nations to find workable solutions to a full-plate of political, security, economic and financial issues.

Both sides seem to have a long list of complaints about issues ranging from cyber security to market access. Instead of aggressively pushing ahead with its own agenda, it is important for one side to listen to the views of the other.

In short, the discussions should be based on equality and the nature of any problem and its severity degree shouldn't be dictated by one side.

It is hoped that the two sides can achieve greater mutual understanding through the whole dialogue process, not only at the talks on strategic issues, but also during the discussions on crucial economic topics such as trade and investment ties, sustaining growth as well as structural and financial reforms.

No mater how many differences exist at the talks, both sides should always keep in mind that Beijing and Washington, as two major stakeholders in world peace and development, have more and more converging interests.

The overriding theme of building new-type China-US ties, an unprecedented, historic undertaking that was already set in motion by Presidents Xi and Obama, calls for mutual respect and win-win cooperation.