China and America Seeking Productive Cooperation over Asia-Pacific Affairs

The first Sino-U.S. consultation on the Asia-Pacific Affairs was in Hawaii on June 25. Both sides exchanged notes on the overall situation of Asia-Pacific, on respective policies in the region, on the Sino-U.S. communication and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and on the regional issues of mutual concerns. This consultation is a new way to help implement the consensus achieved by the heads of both states, extend the communication between China and America at all levels, and enhance the productive cooperation between the two sides over the Asia-Pacific affairs and promote the development of the Sino-U.S. relationship.

The consultation mechanism on the Asia-Pacific affairs is formed naturally, just like a canal is formed when water runs, given the fact that there already are over 60 cooperation mechanisms of dialog and consultation between China and America. As a new channel, the consultation mechanism on the Asia-Pacific affairs will help the two nations increase mutual understanding, extend practical cooperation and resolve disputes. China’s Deputy Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai indicated to the media before his departure to Hawai that building a consultation mechanism on the Asia-Pacific affairs is the highlight of the third round of the Sino-U.S. strategic and economic dialog, and it plays a significant role in enriching the Sino-U.S. partnership. His words can be interpreted in two ways: First, the Asia-Pacific affairs are the core of Sino-U.S. cooperation; second, this mechanism is a new and significant way to achieve a cooperative relationship between the two nations.

With America readjusting its global strategy and China playing a more and more important role in the global and regional affairs, there are more and more common interests as well as disputes in the Asia-Pacific Region between the two countries. Therefore, only by strengthening practical consultation can they expand common grounds and dissolve disputes. An article on Japanese Economy News points out that the consultation mechanism is a measure of productive control, and it enables both sides to coordinate on important and hot issues more smoothly and promptly.

Both China and America hope that the consultation on the Asia-Pacific affairs would make constant progress and bear fruit. The key to its success lies on whether the two sides can respect each other’s interests and concerns, follow the principles of the common-acknowledged international relation, effectively solve hot regional issues through dialog and negotiation, and subjectively and calmly face contradictions and disputes.

This consultation is a beginning of positive significance. Because the Asia-Pacific affairs are of global significance and they are relevant to the respective strategic interests of China and America, this consultation mechanism will definitely make further and constant progress.

　　

At present the overall situation in the Asia-Pacific Region is stable, its economy developing continuously with vigor and vitality, and the countries within the region gaining deeper and deeper interdependence. A stable Asia-Pacific Region, a peaceful world and common development conform to China’s and America’s national interests. The Sino-U.S. cooperation will incessantly yield rewarding results if both sides can enhance consultation based on the above common interests.