Exploring the correct way for two major countries to get along

Over the past four years, despite ups and downs in China-US relations, dialogue and cooperation channels have remained open, ensuring overall stability. The countries should not let a "Thucydides Trap" upset their ties; neither can either side fight a "new Cold War" and win it. If the two sides treat each other as rivals and engage in vicious competition, China-US relations will encounter setbacks. On the contrary, if they set aside their differences and seek common ground, China-US relations can achieve significant development.

As two major powers, neither side can reshape the other as per its own wishes, nor can it deprive the other of its legitimate development rights. China and the US have some differences, but they cannot harm each other's core interests, nor engage in conflict and confrontation. The one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques are the political foundation for bilateral relations and must be strictly adhered to.

China and the US have deeply intertwined interests and vast potential for cooperation. The trade volume between the two exceeds $660 billion, and more than 70,000 US companies make annual profits of $50 billion or above in China; exports to China alone support 930,000 jobs, while Chinese goods not only enrich the choices of US consumers but also reduce their living costs. Both China and the US should focus on the well-being of the peoples of the two countries, continuously expand the cooperation list, enlarge the cooperation pie, and achieve win-win results.

The stable development of China-US relations concerns not only the people of the two countries but also the future of humanity, which is facing unprecedented challenges from turmoil and frequent conflicts. China and the US should thus strive for world peace, provide global public goods and play a positive role in world unity.

China's policy toward the US has been consistent, and it is willing to continue to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences with the incoming administration in January.

The people of both countries and the world have huge expectations for stable development of ties. We hope that the US will work with China to continue exploring ways to achieve long-term peaceful coexistence.

PEOPLE'S DAILY