China, US can both be Pacific powers

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping's September visit to the United States at the invitation of President Barack Obama will be the centerpiece of China-US diplomacy this year.

Over the weekend, US Secretary of State John Kerry was in Beijing preparing for the forthcoming meeting of the two state heads. In about 35 hours, the top diplomat met the Chinese president, premier, a state councilor, a foreign minister and a military leader.

"The broad Pacific Ocean is vast enough to embrace both China and the United States," Xi said when meeting with Kerry.

Xi's reiteration showed China's sincerity towards the United States in enhancing trust, reducing doubt and boosting cooperation as they aim to establish a new kind of major-country relationship.

It conveys the message that China has no intention of seeking hegemony in the Pacific Ocean and demonstrates China's approach to handling bilateral disputes.

As two influential countries, China and the United States share similar interests on many issues. But the two sides have also had their misunderstandings and disagreements, which they should control and handle in an appropriate way.

China's determination to safeguard territorial integrity has been clearly shown in talks over the weekend. The United States should take an objective and fair view of disputes in the South China Sea issue, and honor the commitment of not taking sides.

China's policy is to settle the disputes through negotiations with the countries directly concerned. These are not issues between China and the United States.

After all, disagreements are only a tiny part of the China-US relationship. The two sides should cherish the world's most important bilateral relationships, which benefits both sides.

China is pushing the establishment of a new type of major-country relationship between China and the US and working to ensure it stays on a healthy track. Meanwhile, it is determined in safeguarding sovereignty and maritime interests in line with international laws and practices.

The two sides have maintained communications and coordinations in many areas. Topics discussed between Kerry and Chinese leaders ranged from the economy, trade, military cooperation, corruption, climate change, fighting Ebola, to international hotspot issues.

Common interests between China and the United States far outweigh differences. Dialogue and cooperation remain the mainstream. Both sides can gain a lot from their cooperation.