CUI Tiankai: Commitments must be fully implemented

On Tuesday, the 2023 China-US Public Diplomacy Summit took place in Beijing, with participation from over 40 experts. The event was co-hosted by Renmin University of China, China Public Diplomacy Association, and China Daily. Here are highlights from the speech delivered by Cui Tiankai, former Chinese ambassador to the United States.

The current global situation is complex and tumultuous, marked by ongoing conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts. Major power relations are strained, the global economic recovery is sluggish, and multilateral cooperation is weakening. Unilateralism, protectionism and confrontational blocs are on the rise, and the world faces grave global challenges such as climate change.

Against this backdrop, the meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden on Nov 15 in San Francisco was significant, stabilizing Sino-US relations and raising hopes that the global situation can take a turn for the better. The 'San Francisco Vision' that was the fruit of the summit offers strategic guidance on critical issues and an overarching blueprint for global peace and development. History shows that such high-level meetings are indispensable for steering Sino-US relations in a positive direction.

To realize the 'San Francisco Vision', the commitments made during the summit must be fully implemented, particularly on sensitive issues involving Chinese sovereignty, territorial integrity and fundamental principles. Any actions that try to undermine or hollow out the one-China principle, send wrong signals to Taiwan separatists, or incite color revolutions within China must cease. The successful realization of the 'San Francisco Vision' lies in translating agreements into concrete actions that span diverse areas such as trade, technology and people-to-people exchanges.

Issues such as climate change cooperation are hindered by the US' actions, including its export curbs on technology and its targeting of numerous Chinese companies. Overcoming the differences between the two sides is crucial to extend the depth and scope of collaboration in addressing global challenges. The summit's direction should guide relations even in the face of challenges, avoiding any deviation or loss of control. Both governments need to properly manage attempts to disrupt the relations between the two countries and any unforeseen events.

Incidents, such as the sensationalizing of the so-called spy balloon early this year, must be addressed responsibly, with a focus on preventing relations being derailed. The South China Sea situation deserves particular attention in this regard as the US' increasing military presence and provocations are escalating tensions and creating risks of misjudgment. Any incidents would pose a serious threat to the implementation of the 'San Francisco Vision'.

Popularizing the 'San Francisco Vision' requires garnering widespread support from the people of both nations. The fundamental choice is between the two countries being adversaries or partners, and this must be addressed responsibly. A partnership based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation is the only viable path given the interdependence and potential consequences of conflict.

Breaking free from Cold War mentalities, overcoming zero-sum competition, and forging a new path for international relations, particularly among major countries, are essential for realizing the positive future envisioned in San Francisco.