A forward thrust in Sino-US relations(2)

At the same time, the United States and China are two countries with significant differences in social systems, history and culture, and are at very different stages of development. To develop bilateral relations, both sides must recognize their mutual contradictions and differences while holding to the objective of seeking common ground, so that shared interests between the two countries will always outweigh any differences. Such differences will gradually be resolved in a spirit of mutual understanding, and mutual trust will grow from positive interactions.

As well as being based in realism, our perspective must also be long-term. The combined population of China and the U.S. amounts to almost 1.7 billion, and the economic output of the two countries accounts for one third of the world's total. Building a win-win Sino-US relationship will be of great benefit to the future of the peoples of both countries, helping to ensure that the "Chinese Dream" and the "American Dream" can both come true. A new-model Sino-US relationship will play an important role in the peaceful development of the world; it will be of great significance in paving the way towards a future where major powers can co-exist in harmony; it will promote the establishment of a more just and equitable international order.

There is a Chinese saying: "Knowledge and action should go hand in hand." Westerners themselves often say that intention is not enough, there must also be action. Both heads of state have reached an important consensus on the process of exploring a new-model Sino-US relationship - the next step is to get all parties from each of the two national governments, from private enterprise, and from other relevant sectors to actively add their support to this process.

Whatever difficulties and setbacks may lie ahead, China and the United States have the responsibility to march forward one step at a time towards a horizon that represents the welfare of the two peoples, and strengthens world peace and development.