To begin with, mutual respect is a basic principle governing contemporary international relations and the bedrock of stable state-to-state relations. In essence, mutual respect entails treating each other on an equal footing, and it functions as a strong bond that goes beyond mere common interests. Otherwise, when common interests are exhausted, peace will end. Only when there is mutual respect between China and the United States, especially respect for each other's core interests such as the choice of development path and institutions, can there be the enduring mutual trust and confidence indispensable for practical cooperation that is based on common interests. This is an important conclusion drawn from over four decades of positive and negative lessons since the normalization of diplomatic relations between the US and China.
Second, in the lexicon of international relations, the configuration of interests is an inseparable whole comprising core interests and common interests. A nation's core interests are the linchpin of its security, stability, and development. In the absence of mutual respect for core interests, there can be no stable state-to-state relations to speak of based on common interests.
There are of course justifiable core interests and unjustifiable ones. Chinese and American perceptions of one another's core interests are not always consistent. Notwithstanding, respect for the development methods and institutions of each other's own choice and refraining from undermining core interests such as territorial integrity and sovereignty must serve as the cornerstones for China-US relations.
Third, only through mutual respect can both sides "constructively manage bilateral disagreements and disputes". Therefore, it is important that neither uses double standards in handling major issues.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a recent speech that the US should not shelve differences with China just to seek common ground, implying that the US must articulate its positions and propositions. But the future of the relationship between China and the US does not rest upon bilateral differences, but upon whether the US can objectively and properly handle disagreements and disputes.
For instance, it remains to be seen whether the US can really keep its neutral position on maritime disputes in the East China Sea instead of taking sides with its allies and security partners; whether it can assuage the fears and concerns of the international community over US cyber hegemony and Internet surveillance instead of fabricating economic cyber espionage; whether it will not only agitate with freedom of speech but also champion the rule of law and reason on human rights issues.
Only when the US overcomes these misconceptions, cultivates an egalitarian mindset, and fosters a spirit of mutual respect and consultation, can the two sides proceed smoothly and far along the path toward a new type of China-US relations.
The author is president of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies.
Courtesy: chinausfocus.com
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