'Cooperation is best choice for China-US relations'
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(Photo: Xinhua)

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave a briefing on China's diplomatic achievements and stance on major international issues at a press conference on March 8 on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing.

As in previous years, I have listened carefully to the press conference. The overall impression is as wonderful as ever. Wang gave a comprehensive and clear review of China's diplomatic achievements, and reiterated China's position on major international issues.

As a researcher in the field of US diplomacy and China-US relations, I personally pay more attention to the related topics. Wang once again reaffirmed the essence of China-US relations of "gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation." He also responded to current hot issues. 

For example, in the case of Huawei, he pointed out that it was a "deliberate political move" and pledged that China will continue to take all necessary measures to resolutely protect the legitimate interests of Chinese firms and citizens. 

In response to the alleged attempts from the US side to decouple from China, Wang said decoupling from China is decoupling from opportunity, the future and even the world. This statement is accurate and to the point, displaying China's tolerance and demeanor as a responsible major country and a major developing country. 

The issue of Sino-US relations became the focus of the conference. Among 21 questions raised by reporters, at least eight questions were related to the US. It fully illustrated the fact that relations between Beijing and Washington are one of the most important bilateral relations in the world today.

As the largest developed country and the largest developing country and the world's top two economies with completely different political and social systems, their relations can’t be simple.

They are not only deeply involved in their political, economic and social development, but also affect agenda setting in the regions where the two countries are located and even the world. 

Since the relations are decisive to the development of the two countries and the world order and prosperity, both sides should better coordinate, cooperate and stabilize their relations. This conforms to the common interests of the two countries and is in line with the development needs of all mankind. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized on several occasions that "cooperation is the best choice for China and the US." Only by being aware of this and following this principle can China-US relations move forward smoothly and steadily.

During the meeting at  the 13th summit of the Group of 20 in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 1, Xi and US President Donald Trump agreed that a healthy and stable economic and trade relationship between two countries is in the fundamental interest of both countries and the world. They agree to develop relations based on coordination, cooperation and stability.

The two heads of state have set the tone for  the development of bilateral relations. In past year, to resolve trade frictions, China and the US held seven round of high-level economic and trade consultations and reached certain substantive progress. Mutual respect, equality, honesty and win-win cooperation are indispensable part of contribution to that.

To reach a landmark consensus in economic and trade consultations and bring benefits to the two countries and the world, both sides should adhere to the strategic leadership of the two heads of state on diplomacy, and stick to the principle that "cooperation is the best choice."

The article was compiled by Huang Jingjing based on an interview with Diao Daming, associate professor of the School of International Studies of Renmin University of China

(Intern Zhu Yurou contributed to the story)