China and US successfully wrap up 8th S&ED, look back at ties

BEIJING -- The eighth China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) concluded Tuesday with fruitful results. Despite ups and downs in bilateral ties, the two countries have tried to seek common ground through such dialogues and promoted the establishment of a new model of major power relations.

Here is what Ma Xiaolin, an observer based in Beijing, has said of the development of China-US relations throughout the eight years.

-- As the world's biggest developed country and the biggest developing country, the United States and China respectively have witnessed a unique course of interactions between them: Competition and cooperation have existed side by side, conflicts often ended with compromises from both sides, and both stuck to their own opinions while effectively navigating risks and crises.

-- In today's world of multi-polarizing and power-reshuffling, the handling of China-US relations will go beyond various existing theoretical frameworks of international relations, and even break the general pattern of the distribution and transfer of power.

-- Despite the significant advance in economic aggregate, military power and global standing, China remains a developing country which is learning how to behave like a rising star. It has neither the capability to replace the United States, nor the desire to be the "world police." That's why China has repeatedly stressed that it sticks to maintaining the existing structure of international relations and global security order, and is also pleased to see the United States playing its role in the Asia Pacific. Such self-positioning and recognition between the two sides are key factors that maintain the stability of bilateral ties.

-- The United States has said it welcomes China's peaceful rise while repeatedly stressing its own role of world leader. Meanwhile, China has tried to adapt to the existing global governance system while proposing to improve the global political and economic order. Such interdependency and compromise have increased China's engagement in international affairs and given it greater say and influence.

-- On the South China Sea issue, despite military presence from both sides, China and the United States have effectively managed crises and avoided -- as some observers predicted -- any military confrontation. This proves that the two sides stick to the strategic bottom line and safeguard maritime safety, which shows stable and mature bilateral ties.

-- The United States has attempted to call upon its Asian allies to confront China on the South China Sea issue, but those countries were caught in a dilemma: They rely on the safety net provided by the United States, while also needing economic cooperation with China. The situation made them hesitate to act against China, thus eliminating on a large scale any pressure from the United States.

-- A "new normal" has been formed in China-US relations: seeking harmony in differences, sometimes quarreling but never starting wars, gaining mutual understanding in stalemates and broadening consensus in divergences. This will long exist in the development path of China-US ties.