[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Cui Tiankai, the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, expressed his willingness to improve bilateral relations by stating to the next U.S. administration that "cooperation is the only and correct choice for both countries."
According to the Global Times on the 4th, Ambassador Cui said on the 3rd (local time) during a speech at the annual meeting of the U.S.-China Research Center held in Washington, D.C., "If the U.S. and China cooperate, it is mutually beneficial; if they fight, both suffer losses."
Cui said, "Without a healthy and stable U.S.-China relationship, the post-COVID-19 world cannot be stable, and global governance cannot be effective," adding, "To keep U.S.-China relations on the right track, outdated thinking must be abandoned and we must stand on the right side of history."
He also referred to the "Thucydides Trap," which suggests that conflict between an existing hegemon and an emerging power is inevitable, saying, "Nothing is predetermined; everything depends on choices." He emphasized, "We must have a shared vision for the future and make the right choices."
The Global Times, citing experts, interpreted Ambassador Cui's remarks as a strong signal to President-elect Joe Biden and the next U.S. administration to resume dialogue and improve relations. Given the many areas requiring cooperation, such as COVID-19, they intend to set aside current conflicts and find a middle ground.
Professor Li Haidong of the Institute of International Relations at China Foreign Affairs University evaluated, "Requesting cooperation ahead of the U.S. power transition is a consistent practice of China, but since bilateral relations were damaged over the past four years during the Donald Trump administration, this time is especially important." Professor Li expects cooperation between the two countries in responding to COVID-19, global economic recovery, and climate change, urging a swift resumption of dialogue.
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