Vice-President Xi Jinping is set to visit the United States next Monday. The Foreign Ministry says his visit aims to find common ground and expand trust. CCTV reporter Han Bin talks to Chinese experts who explain that stable China-US relations are beneficial to both sides, even with all the friction and differences that exist today.
Stepping up military presence in the Philippines
The growing influence of the US in the Asia-Pacific region is being watched carefully by Beijing. There’s the South China Sea dispute, the US arms sales to Taiwan, endless trade disputes, and now political differences over how to handle Syria and Iran. All these have put the two giants at odds. China says it believes communication is primordial in keeping relations sound.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin said, “Vice-President Xi Jinpin's visit to the United States is to further improve mutual respect and benefit, as well as the cooperative partnership. We hope the visit will increase trust and cooperation.”
But while valuing ties with the United States, China stands firm on principles.
"The essence of China-US trade is mutually beneficial. Both sides should solve frictions through equal consultations. Unilateral allegations and pressure on China will not do anything to help to solve the problems," said Liu.
China is the world's second largest economy and the United States' main creditor. Its economic weight, as well as its strengthening military and influence on global issues, have raised concern in Washington.
US President Barack Obama said, "We will be strengthening our presence in the Asia-Pacific, and budget reductions will not come at the expense of this critical region."
Tao Wenzhao, researcher of the Institute of American Studies, said, "The US wants to maintain a predominant position in the Asia Pacific, they are afraid that, because of the rise of China, this predominant position is now being challenged.”
However, Professor Tao Wenzhao does not believe most decision makers in Washington want to contain China's growth : the relationship has to be of mutual benefit.
Tao said, "China's rise is beneficial to the US while China can also benefit from US prosperity. I think this is a sound view of Sino-US relations. There cooperation is also important to this region’s stability, to the Asia Pacific's prosperity, and also to the world's economy."
Despite all the friction between China and the United States, leaders in both countries consistently say normal and stable relations are in the strategic interest of both sides… As the US defense strategy is now focusing on the Far East, China needs to deal with a growing US presence in the Asia-Pacific Region that won't go away anytime soon.
（责任编辑:allen）
