Photo: Xinhua/Bao Dandan
BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will begin his second visit to China in less than a year. His first stop will be Shanghai, where the historic Shanghai Communique was issued 52 years ago: Washington must recognize that dialogue must be based on equality and respect, and actions must match words. Unilateral lecturing or manipulation from a position of strength will not lead to constructive dialogue with China.
This document marked the beginning of normalised relations between China and the United States. It showed that two large countries with different social systems could find common ground and strive for peaceful coexistence. Blinken's visit, which will significantly follow up on recent telephone talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Joe Biden, is expected to contribute to stabilising bilateral relations in the spirit of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, the communiqué said.
Since his last visit in June 2023, there has been a remarkable shift in the dynamics of bilateral relations, reflecting a departure from the historic low a year ago. Bilateral relations are beginning to stabilize following last year's summit of the two heads of state in San Francisco. But much hostility remains, fueled primarily by Washington's adherence to a zero-tolerance mindset and the perception of China as a threat.
A healthy and stable China-US relationship requires correct mutual perceptions and concrete actions by both sides in accordance with the consensus of the two heads of state. Relations between China and the United States have faced considerable adversity in recent years. US policymakers are to blame, whose perception of China as a long-term strategic competitor and 'the most consequential geopolitical challenge' is deeply flawed.
Instead of viewing China as a "legitimate rival," as the online news magazine The Diplomat recently argued, Washington's concerns about China's growth have crossed the line of rationality. This irrational fear of Chinese growth has led Washington to increasingly antagonistic policies and rhetoric, further straining bilateral relations.
There is undoubtedly competition between China and the United States, especially in the economic and trade spheres. However, China disagrees with the notion that their relationship should be defined solely by competition, as this narrative does not capture the whole or the essence of the world's most important bilateral relationship.
Any competition must have clear boundaries and be fair. It should take place within the framework of established rules and refrain from undermining the development capabilities and legitimate rights of others. China seeks healthy competition that promotes mutual improvement, not competition aimed at mutual destruction.
Antony Blinken's upcoming visit to China closely follows US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's second trip to China in a year. Indeed, since the San Francisco summit, China and the United States have had significant exchanges at many levels and in various areas, with the two militaries resuming communications and dialogues.
China remains committed to open dialogue and communication with the United States. However, Washington must recognise that dialogue must be based on equality and respect and that actions must match words. Unilateral lecturing or manipulation from a position of strength will not lead to constructive dialogue with China. On the basis of equality and mutual respect, China is willing to cooperate more with the United States. However, it is unrealistic for Washington to expect unconditional cooperation from China while undermining its core interests.
The Taiwan issue is at the heart of China's core interests, and the one-China principle is the cornerstone of Sino-US relations policy. The US side must adhere to the one-China principle and the provisions of the three Sino-US joint communiqués, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, and turn US President Joe Biden's commitment not to promote 'Taiwan independence' into concrete actions.
Blinken's visit comes at a time of joint US-Philippines exercises in the South China Sea, an unnecessarily provocative show of military force that only heightens tensions in the region. Washington's recent assertion of an "ironclad" defence commitment to the Philippines has sent the wrong signal and encouraged a confrontational approach by the Philippines.
China strongly rejects US interference in the South China Sea issue and sowing discord between China and its neighbours. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests are inviolable, and China is firmly committed to protecting its legitimate rights and interests. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and the two largest economies, China and the United States bear a special responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.
In the midst of the protracted Ukraine crisis, China has taken an objective and impartial stance, actively supporting peace negotiations and political solutions while committing to constructive engagement. However, Washington needs to face up to its role in deepening the crisis and stop the constant and unfounded blaming of China.
The trajectory of relations between China and the US has profound implications for the well-being of the people of both countries and the global community. Despite the mutual reluctance to confront, it is now necessary to turn this consensus into substantive action.
Xinhua/gnews.cz-JaV_07
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