One world, one dream for a shared future

The official motto for the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics was "One World, One Dream." It called upon the entire world to join in the Olympic spirit and build a better future for humanity. "Together for a Shared Future" was the official motto for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Who can argue with a lofty goal to advocate for peace, unity, progress and prosperity for all humanity?

The United States and China hold the promise of a better world in their collective hands. Clearly the connection between the US and China is the most significant bilateral relationship in the world today. All major global issues will intersect at the corner of Washington and Beijing. Our leaders' actions and reactions will impact the people of China, the US and all humanity. To a great extent our two nations, with input from others, have the ability to set the agenda for the world.

Currently there is a chasm between the two nations, the two largest economic, military, ideological and technological powers. A split has emerged with differences of opinions on a range of issues, all of which will shape the global landscape for decades to come.

The China Daily hosts the Vision China Forum on Thursday in New York at the Asia Society, the sole purpose of which is to navigate the shared future of Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business and technology. The audience will hear what knowledgeable presenters have to say about the history as well as the present and the future of China-US relations. To have an aspirational goal and to work to forge a shared vision and common agenda for a better world is energy well spent.

The road before us is dangerous with dark, perilous clouds hanging overhead. China and the US should seek ways to recalibrate their relationship in the interest of all to bring peace and prosperity to the world. Zero-sum games can only lead to mutual destruction.

The relationship between our two nations is the foundation for world peace, a common ground that allows diplomatic solutions to work on issues that divide us.

I have been a participant-observer of China's rise since my youth in the 1960s and while crisscrossing China since 1989. I have kept my eyes wide open in my effort to understand and explain to Western audiences all I have learned and experienced while striving to build cultural, educational and economic bridges between our two nations.

Clearly, our two countries see the world from different perspectives. Yet, both need to take a broader view of the world if we wish to pass down peace and prosperity to our children and grandchildren.

It is imperative that we find ways to maintain open dialogue, focusing on what I have called the "seven Cs" — maintaining communication, collaboration, cooperation, coordination and competition while avoiding confrontation and conflict. Only by understanding each other can the US and China avoid a fate worse than any 20th century conflict.

As the 21st century unfolds, both the US and China should be the beacons for building bridges.

There are many areas in which we can and must work together.

First, artificial intelligence. We must work to exploit the pluses and suppress the negatives this new technology will bring. The world needs to get its AI act together and China and the US should lead the way. There is a direct correlation between technological advancement and wealth and power that both nations understand.

Second, climate change. One world, one planet. What each nation does to address this existential crisis impacts us all.

Third, world peace. There will always be geopolitical tug-of-war going on. There is needless suffering and it is standing in the way of peace and prosperity for all. The influence of the US and China has to be used to broker diplomatic solutions to the current conflicts and prevent future ones.

Fourth, avoiding the Thucydides Trap. Chairman Mao Zedong's famous line reminds us that "a single spark can start a prairie fire". Mao's comments from the previous century should be a reminder for all of us to avoid a global conflict at all costs.

May the Vision China Forum help spark a "raging prairie fire" of communication, collaboration, cooperation, coordination and competition while avoiding confrontation and conflict. Let us work to restore people-to-people, cultural, educational, governmental and nonprofit exchanges to promote sound US-China relations while building a better collective future.

No agreement between our nations will stand the test of time unless both sides are invested in its success. The classic precondition for a successful engagement — victory for both sides.

The children and grandchildren of the world will thank you for the effort.

The author is former president and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, a Florida-based nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports an open and collaborative relationship between the public and private sectors in Palm Beach County. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.