Dialogue calls for stronger Sino-US ties

Officials and scholars from China and the United States called for a stronger relationship and further dialogue between Beijing and Washington, saying that "decoupling" is not in the interest of either nation.

Gary Locke, former US ambassador to China and US secretary of commerce, said the US-China relationship is the most consequential relationship in the world, and a strong US-China relationship is good for all nations.

Locke was speaking at the 11th US-China Political Party Leaders Dialogue held in Beijing on Monday. He was joined by over 50 delegates, including scholars and business representatives.

Locke underlined the importance of dialogue in fostering greater understanding and in-depth discussion about the mindsets, attitudes and underlying views of leaders from both countries and peoples.

"Only if we have greater understanding can we reach resolution to some of these fundamental problems and hope that we can then move forward together to address the big issues facing the entire world," he said.

He contended that a prosperous China is good for the United States because a growing and prosperous middle class means more demand for made-in-USA goods and services. "That means jobs for the American people."

He also argued that many problems facing the world cannot be solved by the US or China alone.

"From climate change to halting the spread of nuclear weapons, to fighting global terrorism, to finding cures for some of the most dreaded diseases in the world, the world is looking for leadership from both the United States and China working together hand in hand," he said.

Song Tao, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in a keynote speech that politicians from both countries must work toward further integration.

"The interests of China and the United States have never been so deeply intertwined like today, and nobody can stand in the way of the integrated and common development of the two nations," he said.

"The 'decoupling' talk goes against the fundamental interests of both nations. Such talk is irresponsible and will not become a reality," he said.

William Parker, CEO and president of the New York-based East-West Institute, said it is important for both countries to grasp each other's cultures, understand perspectives from both sides on certain issues, and work on resolving those issues.

"A very safe world is one where the United States and China are friends and peacefully coexist. A very dangerous world is one where China and the United States are not friends and do not peacefully coexist," he said.

Kathleen McFarland, former deputy national security adviser of the White House, said it is her preference and desire to see that the US-China relationship continues to be very strong.

"It's the most important relationship for the US, for China and really for the world going forward," she said.