Embed idealism in constructive realism of ties

Former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd, a fluent Mandarin speaker, shows a clear vision in his latest report, "US-China 21: The Future of US-China Relations under Xi Jinping", arguing for a new framework of constructive realism for a common purpose.

Rudd, who claimed to be a global citizen in Shanghai on Wednesday, has the advantage of seeing the picture more objectively, for, as the Chinese saying goes, outsiders see more than insiders (dang ju zhe mi, pang guan zhe qing).

Rudd's argument makes a lot of sense, especially when he recommends a common strategic narrative centered on the concept of "constructive realism - common purpose" to guide China-US bilateral relationship.