“There is still enormous potential for progress in the U.S.-China relationship. Progress that will yield benefits to . . . [our] countries, our neighbors, and the world,” U.S. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel said recently before the U.S. Senate in Washington, DC.
“We seek to ensure that the [U.S.-China] relationship is not defined by strategic rivalry, but by fair and healthy competition, by practical cooperation on priority issues, and by constructive management of our differences and disagreements,” he said.
“Where interests overlap, we will seek to expand cooperation with China. These areas include economic prosperity, a denuclearized Korean Peninsula, peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, and a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases. Where they diverge . . . we will work to ensure that our differences are constructively managed.”
A key element of the U.S. approach to the Asia-Pacific is strengthening America’s alliances and partnerships in the region. This contributes directly to the stable security environment that has underpinned Asia’s, including China’s, dramatic economic growth and development.
A second element is to strengthen regional institutions to uphold the international rules-based system and create platforms for the countries and leaders to work on priority strategic, economic, and other issues.
A third element is to expand and deepen U.S relationships with emerging countries such as China, including through regular and high-level dialogue.
“The United States and China have a vital stake in each other’s success,” Assistant Secretary Russel said. “We are now reflecting on the considerable progress attained in 35 years of bilateral relations. One key lesson is that to ensure our relationship grows and matures, we need to build up the links among our two peoples. People-to-people exchanges are essential to enhancing mutual understanding.”DAniel
