Pillars of wisdom provide support for healthy ties

In the meeting of the two heads of state of China and the United States last month, President Xi Jinping summarized the lessons of the past four years of Sino-US ties, and condensed them into seven pillars of wisdom to support healthy bilateral relations, namely the importance of having the correct strategic perception of the folly of a new Cold War; of matching words with deeds; of engaging with each other on an equal footing; of not challenging red lines and paramount principles; of increasing dialogue and cooperation; of building bridges to bring the two peoples closer together; and of the two countries shouldering their international responsibilities by carrying out constructive interactions.

The development of Sino-US relations is related to world peace and development. Exploring a correct way for major countries to get along with each other is a historical must-answer question that China and the US must face. In the past four years, although Sino-US relations have experienced ups and downs, they have also carried out dialogue and cooperation. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, overall stability has been achieved.

Washington should realize that the aforementioned pillars of wisdom to support the healthy development of bilateral relations are also a historical manifestation of the relations over the past 45 years.

Without correct perception, the two sides may fall into the abyss of a new Cold War. The US' "saying one thing and doing another" approach damages mutual trust and erodes national credit. Equality means mutual respect, and a big country cannot deprive another party of its legitimate right to development in order to maintain its leading position. Challenging red lines and wantonly harming another party's core interests will only lead to conflicts and confrontations.

The first four pillars clearly form a "negative list", and the other three are the guidance for both sides to accumulate positive factors.

The two countries have broad space for cooperation in the economy and trade, energy, science and technology, education, etc, and bear major responsibilities for addressing common global challenges.

Competition among major powers should not be the defining background of the times. Only through unity and cooperation can big countries overcome difficulties together. China and the US should work together to inject more certainty and positive energy into world affairs.

The incoming US administration will take office in less than two months. It is hoped that both sides will uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, and take the seven pillars proposed by President Xi as a guide to achieve a smooth trajectory for improved Sino-US relations.

XINHUA NEWS AGENCY