During a high-profile meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi challenged the United States to tackle the root of bilateral tensions: how each nation perceives the other. Wang, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, sat down with Harvard Professor Graham Allison to explore pathways toward a stable and constructive partnership.
“Only by correctly fastening the ‘first button’ of China-U.S. relations can the two major powers pave the way for sound collaboration,” Wang said, highlighting the need to reset mutual impressions before diving into policy debates. He praised Allison’s longtime efforts to bridge understanding and chart a course for peaceful coexistence.
At the heart of Wang’s message is an Eastern philosophy: harmony without uniformity. It embraces diversity and shared ground, contrasting sharply with zero-sum thinking that pits one side’s success against the other’s. “This concept offers a blueprint for building shared interests,” Wang noted, “and for nations to thrive side by side—China and the U.S. included.”
As both nations navigate challenges in trade, climate and security, experts say shifting public perceptions could unlock new avenues for tech collaboration, cultural exchange and joint climate action. The call to rethink how each side sees the other could mark a turning point in a relationship that touches global markets, innovation ecosystems and cross-border student exchanges.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and changemakers, Wang’s remarks send a clear signal: fresh perspectives and open dialogue are the linchpins of sustainable cooperation. As the world watches the two powerhouses recalibrate, the message is simple—better understanding could be the key to shared progress.
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Wang Yi urges U.S. to work with China on issue of mutual perception
cgtn.com
