Wang urges better Sino-US mutual perception

China is willing to work with the United States to address the fundamental issue of mutual perception, and find the right way to get along with each other, Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said.

Wang, who is also director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during a meeting with Professor Graham Allison from Harvard University on Wednesday in Beijing.

Referring to mutual perception as the "first button" of Sino-US relations, Wang called on visionary people from all sectors in the US to play a constructive role in fostering an objective and positive perception of China and promoting sound interactions between the two countries.

The three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation are the fundamental guidance for Beijing to handle China-US relations, he stressed.

Wang praised Allison's efforts to strengthen mutual understanding and to explore ways for the two countries to get along with each other.

Chinese philosophy suggests harmony without uniformity, which is essentially different from the Western zero-sum mindset, he noted.

This traditional Eastern philosophy emphasizes realizing harmonious coexistence on the basis of acknowledging and respecting differences, forming and expanding common interests, Wang said.

At present, Beijing and Washington need to form a new narrative that could regulate exchanges and engagement between the two major powers in the future, he added.

Allison said that the concept of "harmony without uniformity" resonates with the American value of respecting diversity.

The professor emphasized that the US and China should find a strategic positioning for coexistence to avoid falling into the "Thucydides Trap", which is crucial not only for both sides but also for the world.

He expressed willingness to continue contributing to strengthening communication between the two countries and promoting the stable development of bilateral relations.