Build a New Model of Major-Country Relationship Between China and the United States

Build a New Model of Major-Country Relationship Between China and the United States* 

June 7, 2013 

President Obama and I have just had our first meeting. We had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on our respective domestic and foreign policies, on building a new model of major-country relationship between China and the United States, and on major international and regional issues of mutual concern. We have reached a consensus on many important issues. 

I told President Obama explicitly that China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, further its reform and opening up, strive to realize the Chinese Dream of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and promote the noble cause of peace and development of mankind. 

The Chinese Dream is about making our country prosperous and strong, revitalizing the nation and bringing a happy life to its people. It is a dream of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit. It has many things in common with all the beautiful dreams, including the American Dream, of people all over the world. 

President Obama and I both maintain that China and the US should and can build a new model of relationship different from the historical clashes and confrontations between major powers, given the rapid economic globalization and the need for all countries in the world to work together. We both agreed to make joint efforts to build a new model of major-country relationship, respect each other, cooperate and seek mutual interests, and bring benefits to our people and the people of the world at large. The world community also expects a continuously improved and expanded China-US relationship. Good China-US cooperation will serve as an anchor for global stability and a booster for world peace. 

The two sides agreed to enhance dialogues and communication at all levels, and constantly increase mutual trust and understanding. President Obama and I will keep in close touch with each other through exchanges of visits, meetings, telephone conversations and letters. I have extended an invitation to President Obama to visit China at a suitable time for a new round of meetings and realize an exchange of visits as soon as possible. The two sides will act in close coordination to make sure that the new round of China-US strategic and economic dialogues, and high-level consultations on cultural and people-to-people exchanges will achieve positive results. The Chinese defense minister and foreign minister will visit the US on invitation. 

The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in a wide range of areas such as economy, trade, energy, environment, and culture and humanities, as well as cooperation among different regions, so as to expand the converging interests between the two countries in an all-round way. We will improve and develop bilateral military relations, and build a new model of China-US military relationship. We will strengthen coordination concerning macro-economic policies, expand cooperation in the process of our economic development, and promote robust, sustainable and balanced economic growth in the Asia Pacific region and the world at large. 

Where there is a will there is a way. I am confident about the new model of major-country relationship between China and the US. First, both sides have the political will to build such a relationship. Second, bilateral cooperation between the two countries over the past more than 40 years has laid a solid foundation for our future cooperation. Third, the two sides have established more than 90 mechanisms for high-level dialogues on strategy, economy, culture and humanities, which serve as guarantee mechanisms for the building of the new model of major-country relationship. Fourth, sister provinces and states, and sister cities totaling more than 220 pairs have been established between the two sides; nearly 190,000 Chinese students are studying in the US and more than 20,000 US students are studying in China – a good public opinion foundation for the building of the new model of relationship. Fifth, there is broad scope for future bilateral cooperation. 

The building of a new model of major-country relationship between China and the US is unprecedented, but it will be faithfully carried out by the two sides. China and the US should work together to push forward the new model of major-country relationship by increasing dialogues, promoting mutual trust, expanding cooperation and controlling disputes. 

Both the Chinese and American nations are great nations, and both peoples are great peoples. I believe that, with determination, confidence, patience and wisdom, the two sides will accomplish our goals as long as we keep the overall situation in mind while starting with the daily routine and making constant progress. 

China has been a victim of computer hacker attacks. As a defender of cyber security, China has the same concerns as the US in this field. The two sides have decided through consultations to establish a cyber security working team within the framework of China-US strategic and security dialogues, and to start to work on the issue as soon as possible. The two sides should eschew mistrust and engage in cooperation so as to make cyber security a new bright spot in China-US cooperation. 

* Main points of the speech when meeting the press with US President Barack Obama. 

(Not to be republished for any commercial or other purposes.)