Time for China and the US to talk frankly

Building a new type of relationship between China and the United States is not an empty concept. The two countries should seize the opportunity for frank dialogue, and to inject positive energy into their relations through practical action, according to an article in People's Daily.

Here are excerpts:

The Asia-Pacific region's continued, rapid development makes its position in the international political and economic landscape increasingly prominent. The US is paying more attention to this region, hoping to share the fruits of prosperity and development in Asia.

Over the past century, the US has always been an important party in the region and no country wants to exclude it from the process of regional development. The US' so-called return-to-Asia strategy is completely unnecessary, and even harmful. Facts have proved that being obsessed with a Cold War mentality and engaging in strengthening military alliances does not serve the interests of Asia-Pacific countries, including the US.

As an important party in the Asia-Pacific region, China has been committed to peaceful development, and has made an important contribution to regional prosperity and stability. Following the road of peaceful development reflects the heritage and development of traditional Chinese culture, and is the inevitable conclusion drawn by the Chinese people from their sufferings since modern times. China will never seek hegemony. There is no need for the US to suffer from imaginary fears with regard to China's intentions, nor should it judge others by itself.

Sino-US relations have journeyed along a bumpy road, and the current hard-won cooperative momentum should be cherished. Both countries have much to do on national development, and also face many regional and global challenges. A recent report from the US Atlantic Council says that deepening cooperation with China is the most crucial single factor that will shape the international system.

International relations are undergoing profound changes. To avoid taking the same old disastrous road of big powers contending for hegemony, win-win cooperation is the correct choice for both nations' leaders. Mutual suspicion will handicap the establishment of a good partnership. Duplicity is not a good way to remain friends. Sino-US cooperation should be based on mutual trust and respect for each other's core interests. Any attempt to hinder China in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity is bound to seriously hurt the feelings of the 1.3 billion Chinese people.

China and the US should not only manage their contradictions and differences constructively, but should also explore solutions to existing problems. Only by replacing the Cold War mentality with peaceful cooperation and thinking, and replacing confrontation and containment with contact and dialogue, can Sino-US relations enjoy healthy development. The two countries should seize the opportunity to talk frankly and sincerely.