VP calls for cooperation in ties with Washington

The principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation should be stressed when advancing Sino-US relations in 2014.

Vice-President Li Yuanchao made the remarks during a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns on Wednesday.

"We should further implement the consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama on building a new type of major-country relationship," he said.

"This year marks the 35th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries," Li said. "We should promote pragmatic cooperation in various areas and properly manage divergences."

State Councilor Yang Jiechi also held talks with Burns. Yang said Burns' visit underscores the importance Washington attaches to advancing Sino-US relations.

Accompanying Burns to Beijing was Daniel Russel, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs.

On Wednesday, Russel and his Chinese counterpart, Zheng Zeguang, presided over the fifth China-US Asia-Pacific Consultations in Beijing.

Burns said the US remains committed to continuing to build a positive and cooperative relationship with China.

"It means building practical cooperation in areas of nuclear nonproliferation and climate change, and strengthening our economic relationship," Burns said.

Ni Feng, a researcher of US studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said bilateral cooperation in all three fields has maintained a good momentum and harbors great potential.

For instance, both sides have made some achievements in dealing with Teheran's and Pyongyang's nuclear issues last year, Ni said, adding that the Bilateral Investment Treaty most likely topped the economic agenda of Wednesday's meetings.

Last week, the world's two largest economies wrapped up the latest round of BIT talks, which are expected to further open up markets to both sides. Experts said the treaty is expected to be finalized within two years.

The arrival of the US diplomats soon after New Year's Day has shown that the two countries pay great attention to developing Sino-US relations and strengthening coordination on major global and regional issues, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang during Wednesday's news conference.

"Hopefully, the successful visit will mark a good start for the healthy and steady development of bilateral relations in this year," Qin said.

'Arbitral diplomacy'

Observers said the two sides need to take this opportunity to clarify each other's policies in areas of politics, security and diplomacy to dispel mistrust.

"The consultations are likely to cover situations in the East and South China Seas, where naval confrontation between the two countries often takes place due to miscalculation of each other's intentions," said Teng Jianqun, a researcher of US studies at the China Institute of International Studies.

Burns will fly to Tokyo on Thursday to conclude his Asian trip. He started his journey on Monday in Seoul.

Analysts called the trip an act of Washington's "arbitral diplomacy", but it is unlikely to resolve contradictions among the three East Asian neighbors, especially after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's recent visit to the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 Class-A war criminals.

"It is beyond Washington's capability to resolve the diplomatic deadlock between Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo because of complicated factors. Washington cares more about maintaining the current regional order, so its mediating efforts will focus on coordinating positions to avoid escalation," Teng said.

He said Washington is worried that an unbridled Abe administration will disrupt US leadership and strategic deployment in the Asia-Pacific region.

Contact the writer at puzhendong@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 01/23/2014 page12)