Toward a New Model of Major-Country Relations Between China and the United States
Speech by Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Brookings Institution
20 September 2013
女士们，先生们，朋友们，
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
很高兴再次来到布鲁金斯学会，就“如何构建中美新型大国关系”表明我的看法，之后我愿回答大家的提问。
It gives me great pleasure to be back at the Brookings Institution and share with you my thoughts on the way toward a new model of major-country relations between China and the United States. And I will be happy to take your questions.
在开始演讲前，我首先要感谢布鲁金斯学会以及塔尔博特会长专门为我举行这场活动，让我有机会和老朋友相聚，并结识新朋友。过去几年，我每次来美国访问都会与学会的专家学者们见面。当然，那时我的身份是台办主任，和大家谈的都是台湾问题。记得每当有朋友顺便问到一些外交方面的事情，我总是回答说，抱歉，这不是我的主管范围。但今天请大家放心，你们提任何外交问题，我都不会再说“抱歉”了。
Before I start, I wish to thank the Brookings Institution and President Strobe Talbott for graciously hosting this event. This gives me the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. Over the past few years, each time I came to the United States, I would meet your experts and scholars. Of course, I wore the hat of the Minister of the Taiwan Affairs Office back then and our discussion focused on the question of Taiwan. I remember that whenever some of you raised questions about foreign policy issues, my reply was "Sorry, they are beyond my portfolio." But today, you can rest assured that I will not say "Sorry" again no matter what foreign policy questions you raise.
今年是中美关系具有重要意义的一年。6月，两国元首在加州安纳伯格庄园成功举行了一次历史性会晤。最重要的成果，就是双方同意构建中美新型大国关系。这一兼具战略性、建设性和开创性的重要共识，为中美关系的未来指明了方向，开辟了道路，同时，也必将对亚太地区乃至国际格局的演变产生积极和深远影响。
This is a year of great significance in China-US relations. Last June, the two presidents held a successful and historic meeting in Annenberg Estate, California. The most important outcome is that China and the United States agreed to build a new model of major-country relations. The agreement is strategic, constructive and path-breaking in nature. It has charted the future course for our relations. It will surely produce a positive and profound impact on the Asia-Pacific and, indeed, the evolution of the international landscape.
双方达成这一共识之后，接下来自然而然面临两个问题：第一，中美新型大国关系的内涵是什么？第二，我们该如何构建这一关系？
With the agreement come two questions. First, what is this new model of relations about? And second, how to make it a reality?
对第一个问题，习近平主席已经用三句话作了非常精辟的概括，第一句是“不冲突、不对抗”，第二句是“相互尊重”，第三句是“合作共赢”。
President Xi Jinping has laid out a clear vision for the new model. In his words, the essential features of this model include number one, "no conflict or confrontation", number two, "mutual respect" and number three, "win-win cooperation". This answers the first question.
不冲突对抗，是构建中美新型大国关系的必要前提。有研究显示，历史上大约有过15次新兴大国的崛起，其中有11次与既有大国之间发生了对抗和战争。但现在的世界已今非昔比，中美之间乃至全球各国之间已是日趋紧密的利益共同体，对抗将是双输，战争没有出路。不冲突、不对抗的宣示，就是要顺应全球化潮流，改变对中美关系的负面预期，解决两国之间的战略互不信，构建对中美关系前景的正面信心。
"No conflict or confrontation" is the prerequisite for the new model of major-country relations between us. According to some study of history, there have been about 15 cases of rise of emerging powers. In 11 cases, confrontation and war broke out between the emerging and the established powers. However, we now live in a different world. China and the United States and in fact all countries in the world are part of a community of shared interests. Countries are increasingly interconnected. Neither of us will benefit from confrontation. War will get us nowhere. "No conflict or confrontation" means that we need to follow the trend of globalization, reverse negative projections of China-US relations, address strategic distrust and build confidence in the future of China-US relations.
相互尊重，是构建中美新型大国关系的基本原则。世界是多样的，中美作为两个社会制度不同、历史文化背景各异，同时又利益相互交织的大国，相互尊重就显得尤为重要。我们只有相互尊重对方人民选择的制度与道路，相互尊重彼此的核心利益与关切，才能求同存异，进而聚同化异，实现两国的和谐相处。
Mutual respect" is a basic principle for this new model. We live in a world of rich diversity. For China and the United States, two major countries different in social system, history and culture yet connected by intertwined interests, mutual respect is all the more important. Only by respecting each other's system and path chosen by their people, as well as each other's core interests and concerns can we seek common ground while reserving differences and, on that basis, expand common ground and dissolve differences so that China and the United States will be able to live together in harmony.
合作共赢，是中美构建新型大国关系的必由之路。中美双方在双边关系各领域都有着广泛合作需求和巨大合作潜力。此外，作为两个大国，环顾当今世界，从反恐到网络安全，从核不扩散到气候变化，从中东和平到非洲发展，也都离不开中美两国的共同参与、合作和贡献。因此，中美只有始终坚持合作，不断加强合作，才能实现共赢，而这个共赢，不仅是中美的共赢，还应当是世界各国的共赢。
"Win-win cooperation" is the only way to turn the vision into a reality. There is an enormous need and vast potential for bilateral cooperation in all fields. Besides, the world certainly needs China and the United States, two major countries with great influence, to work together and contribute on issues ranging from counterterrorism to cyber security, from nuclear non-proliferation to climate change, and from peace in the Middle East to Africa's development. Win-win progress is only possible when both countries are committed to growing cooperation. Moreover, such win-win outcome should not just be beneficial to China and the United States, it should also be beneficial to all countries in the world.
对第二个问题，也就是如何构建中美新型大国关系。这是一个需要中美双方，包括社会各界共同来探讨和实践的系统性工程，同时也是一个需要双方保持政治定力，持之以恒、不懈推进的长期事业。
Now let me turn to the second question, how can we make the new model of relations a reality. Indeed, this will be a systemic project that requires ideas and efforts of people from all walks of life in both countries. It also needs the sustained political resolve, persistent commitment and tireless efforts of both sides.
首先，我们要不断增进战略互信，使中美新型大国关系建立在更加牢固的基石之上。中方始终强调，中国的发展是和平的发展，我们从来都没有想要挑战甚至取代美国地位的战略意图，而是真心实意地希望和包括美国在内的各国共同维护和平，共同实现发展。我们注意到，美方近年来也反复表示不把中国视为威胁，无意遏制中国，乐见中国走向强大，保持稳定。这是对的。只要中美各自都能秉持上述战略取向并将其付诸行动，就一定能够建立起战略互信，不断夯实构建中美新型大国关系的基础。
First, we need to enhance strategic trust to put this new model of relationship on a more solid foundation. We have all along emphasized that China's development is peaceful in nature. We have never had the strategic intention to challenge or even replace the United States for its position in the world. We truly wish to work together with the United States and all other countries for peace and common development. We are aware of US statement that it does not see China as a threat or intend to contain China; instead, it wishes to see a strong and stable China. This is right. As long as China and the United States can both stick to this strategic direction in their action, we will certainly build up strategic trust and strengthen the foundation for this new model of relationship.
第二，我们要大力促进务实合作，使中美新型大国关系建立在更加深厚的利益纽带之上。中美建交40多年来，快速发展的经贸关系不仅给两国各自的发展都带来了巨大红利，也成为中美关系历经风雨但始终破浪前行的压舱石。如今，中美贸易额已近5000亿美元，相互投资超过800亿美元，而且据中美交流基金会最新研究报告预测，10年后，也就是2022年，中美两国将成为彼此最大的贸易伙伴。美国对中国出口额将达4500多亿美元，为美国创造超过250万个就业机会，赴美中国游客将从2012年的150万人增长到1000万人。这是中美两国学者共同研究得出的结论，将为中美新型大国关系的历史进程不断注入强劲的动力。
Second, we need to promote practical cooperation to put this new model of relationship on more shared interests. Over more than four decades since the establishment of our diplomatic relations, fast growing economic cooperation and trade have brought huge benefits to each country's development. They have served as a stabilizer that enables China-US relations to forge ahead despite winds and waves. Today, bilateral trade is almost 500 billion US dollars and mutual investment more than 80 billion. According to the latest report from China-US Exchange Foundation, by 2022, our two countries will become each other's top trading partner. By then, US export to China will exceed 450 billion dollars, which means over 2.5 million jobs created in this country. The number of Chinese tourists visiting the United States will grow to 10 million from 1.5 million in 2012. These are conclusions of the joint study by Chinese and American scholars. They will give a strong impetus to the historic process of this new model of relationship.
最近，中方同意与美方以准入前国民待遇和负面清单为基础开展双边投资协定实质性谈判，体现了中国政府坚定推进改革开放、不断深化中美经贸合作的巨大诚意和决心，必将为两国经贸合作开辟新的前景。中美还应积极挖掘能源、环保、城镇化、生物技术、基础设施建设等领域的合作潜力。中方重视并愿采取措施解决美方在市场准入、知识产权保护等问题上的关切，同时也希望美方放宽对华高技术产品出口限制，公平对待赴美投资的中资企业。
Recently, China has agreed to carry out substantive negotiations with the United States on the bilateral investment treaty (BIT) on the basis of pre-establishment national treatment and negative list. This shows the great sincerity and resolve of the Chinese government. We will advance reform and opening-up and deepen China-US economic cooperation and trade. This will open up new prospects for bilateral business ties. There is also a need for the two countries to tap cooperation potential in such fields as energy, environmental protection, urbanization, bio-tech and infrastructure. China takes US concerns on market access and IPR protection seriously and is prepared to take measures to address them. At the same time, China hopes the United States will ease its control over high-tech export to China and give fair treatment to Chinese companies investing in this country.
第三，我们要积极加强人文交往，使中美新型大国关系建立在更加坚实的民意基础之上。国与国的关系，归根到底还是人与人的关系。当今时代，民意越来越成为影响甚至左右两国关系走向的重要因素，人民相互友好，国家之间就友好，反之亦然。因此，能否成功构建中美新型大国关系，很重要的一点就是看能否得到两国多数民众的理解、参与和支持。为此，我们应鼓励和扩大两国各领域、各界别民众，包括家庭、社区、学校、民间团体等社会基层民众之间的相互往来，让他们增进相互了解和感情；我们应深化文化交流，使双方在交流与碰撞中逐渐实现彼此包容与融合。我们还应积极引导各自民意，让支持中美友好合作成为主流声音，不断壮大中美关系的社会基础。
Third, we need to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchange and put this new model of relationship on stronger public support. State-to-state relations, at the end of the day, are about people-to-people relations. In today's world, public opinion has increasingly become a significant factor shaping or even defining bilateral relationship. Friendship between peoples leads to amity between nations and vice versa. Therefore, the success of our endeavor to build a new model of major-country relationship hinges greatly upon the understanding, involvement and support of the majority of our two peoples. With this in mind, we need to encourage and expand interactions in various areas and between various groups, including families, communities, schools, and NGOs at the grass root level, so that our peoples will understand each other better and deepen friendship. We need to strengthen cultural exchange and as the two sides meet and interact, they will gradually achieve mutual tolerance and inclusiveness. We also need to lead public opinion in respective countries so that the voice advocating China-US friendship and cooperation will become the mainstream and public support for our relations will grow stronger.
第四，我们要不断加强在国际地区热点及全球性问题上的合作，使中美新型大国关系建立在更加紧密的共同责任之上。美国是全球最大的发达国家，中国是全球最大的发展中国家，我们在维护地区和国际形势稳定、促进人类可持续发展等重大问题上有着越来越多的利益交集，承担着越来越大的共同责任。中美如能携手为世界的和平稳定、人类的文明进步作出贡献，不仅符合国际社会对中美两国的期待，也理应是中美新型大国关系的应有之义。中国已准备好与美国在地区和全球层面展开全方位合作，我们不是要搞所谓“两国共治”，而是优势互补，各擅所长，中国愿意承担与自身国力及国情相适应的国际责任，与美方一起，为国际社会提供更多优质的公共产品。中美在任何问题上都可以合作，尽管我们有时候立场不尽相同，但这并不影响我们之间的沟通与对话，只要我们真正从两国共同利益出发，从地区与世界的稳定繁荣出发，中美间的立场一定能够越来越接近，中美战略互信也一定会不断得到深化。
Fourth, we need to strengthen cooperation in international and regional hotspots and global issues and put this new model of relationship on greater common responsibilities. The United States is the biggest developed country while China is the biggest developing country in the world. The two countries share ever-growing converging interests and shoulder increasingly greater common responsibilities on such major issues as maintaining regional and international stability and promoting sustainable development of mankind. Joint contribution to world peace and stability and progress of civilization is what the international community expects of our two countries. It should, therefore, also be an inherent feature of this new model of relationship. China is prepared to engage in all-dimensional cooperation with the United States at regional and global levels. What we seek is not the so-called "G2", but each complementing the other with its respective advantages. China is ready to shoulder international responsibilities commensurate with its national strength and realities, and together with the United States, offer more quality public goods for the international community. China and the United States can cooperate on any issue. We may not always see eye to eye, but that should not prevent us from talking to each other. As long as we truly act in the shared interests of the two countries and for the benefit of regional and global stability and prosperity, our positions will get closer and our strategic trust will surely get enhanced.
在网络安全问题上，一个和平、安全、开放、合作的网络空间符合包括中美在内的世界各国利益。中方一贯坚决反对任何破坏网络秩序、危害网络安全的行为。事实上，中国也是黑客等网络攻击的受害者。维护网络安全，不能相互指责，而是要开展合作。中美已经召开首次网络工作组会议，开了个好头，我们要继续保持建设性对话，并且不断推进全球网络规则的制定和网络安全的保障。
On cyber security, a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyber space is in the interest of all countries in the world, including China and the United States. China firmly opposes any behavior that disrupts order in cyberspace and endangers cyber security. As a matter of fact, China is a victim of hacking and other cyber attacks. To safeguard cyber security, we need cooperation instead of finger-pointing. The first meeting of China-US cyber working group made a good beginning. We need to keep up constructive dialogue and promote the formulation of international cyber rules to help ensure cyber security.
在气候变化问题上，中美已在战略与经济对话框架内设立了气候变化工作组。中方正致力于推进经济结构调整，加快发展方式转型，应对气候变化首先是中国可持续发展的自身需要。我们愿加强与美方在环境保护、节能减排、替代能源和可再生能源等领域的合作，负责任地参加相关气候变化谈判，共同为人类的可持续发展作出贡献。
On climate change, our two sides have set up a climate change working group within the S&ED ***work. As China is committed to deepening economic structural readjustment and accelerating the shift of growth model, addressing climate change, meets its own need of sustainable development in the first place. We are ready to enhance cooperation with the United States on environmental protection, energy conservation and emissions reduction, and alternative and renewable energy, take part in relevant climate change negotiations in a responsible manner and jointly contribute to sustainable development.
在叙利亚问题上，中方坚决反对任何国家、任何人使用化学武器，同时认为只有政治解决才是化解叙利亚危机的正确出路。我们支持尽快启动销毁叙利亚化武的进程，同时也应早日召开第二次日内瓦会议，使叙问题重回政治解决的轨道。
On Syria, China is firmly opposed to the use of chemical weapons by any country or individual. We believe that political settlement is the only right way out in defusing the Syrian crisis. We support an early launch of the process to destroy Syria's chemical weapons. At the same time a Geneva II should be held as soon as possible, thus bringing the Syrian issue back to the track of political settlement.
在巴以问题上，中方一直负责任地劝和促谈，愿与美方密切配合，推动巴以双方相向而行。在伊核问题上，中美通过双边渠道和六国机制保持了密切沟通，当前伊核对话出现了积极因素，我们应当抓住机遇推动对话早日取得实质进展。
On Palestine and Israel, China has promoted peace talks in a responsible manner, and stands ready to work closely with the United States to push the two sides to make concerted efforts. On the Iranian nuclear issue, China and the United States have maintained close communication both bilaterally and through P5+1. There have emerged positive factors in Iranian nuclear dialogue. We should seize the opportunities to work for early, substantive progress in the dialogue.
第五，我们要重点加强亚太事务合作，使中美新型大国关系的构建先从亚太地区做起。亚太是当今世界发展速度最快、潜力最大的地区，也是热点问题最多的地区，中美两国在亚太的利益交织最为密集，互动最为频繁。换句话说，构建中美新型大国关系可以也应该先从亚太开始。如果中美在亚太能够不冲突、不对抗，那么在其他地方就都可以和平相处；如果中美在亚太事务上能够相互尊重、合作共赢，那么在其他问题上也可以开展合作。如何使亚太成为构建新型大国关系的“试验田”呢？我认为有两点非常重要：
Fifth, we need to prioritize our cooperation on Asia-Pacific affairs and start the building of this new model of relationship from the Asia-Pacific region. The Asia-Pacific is the world's fastest-growing and most promising region; it is also home to most of the hotspot issues. China and the United States have more converging interests and frequent interactions in the Asia-Pacific than anywhere else. Therefore, it is both possible and imperative that our two countries start the building of this new model of relationship from the Asia-Pacific. Just think: if China and the United States can avoid conflict and confrontation in the Asia-Pacific, there is no reason we cannot co-exist in peace in other parts of the world; if China and the United States can respect each other and conduct win-win cooperation on Asia-Pacific affairs, there is no reason we cannot work together on other issues. But how to turn the Asia-Pacific into the "testing ground" for our new model of relationship? I think the following two points are extremely important.
一是中美在亚太要真正尊重和照顾对方的利益关切。中国尊重美国在亚太的传统影响和现实利益，我们从未想过要把美国从亚太排挤出去，而是希望美国为维护亚太和平稳定发展发挥积极和建设性作用。正如习近平主席指出的，宽广的太平洋有足够空间容纳中美两个大国。同时，亚太是中华民族几千年来的安身立命之所，我们希望美方也应尊重中国的利益与关切。
First, China and the United States should genuinely respect and accommodate each other's interests and concerns in the Asia-Pacific. China respects the traditional influence and immediate interests of the United States in the Asia-Pacific. We have never thought about pushing the US out of the region. Rather, we hope the United States will play a positive and constructive role in safeguarding peace, stability and development in the Asia-Pacific. As President Xi Jinping aptly pointed out, "The vast Pacific Ocean is broad enough to accommodate our two big countries." The Asia-Pacific has been the home and root of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. Therefore, we hope the United States will also respect China's interests and concerns.
台湾问题事关中国的主权和领土完整，事关13亿中国人的民族感情。当前，两岸关系保持和平发展势头，要和平不要战争、要合作不要对抗、要交往不要隔绝已是两岸同胞的人心所向，两岸在相互往来合作中逐渐彼此融合，直至实现最终统一将是谁也无法阻挡的历史潮流。多年来，台湾问题始终是中美关系中损害互信、干扰合作的一项负资产。如果美方能够顺应两岸关系和平发展的大势，切实理解和尊重中国反对分裂，致力于和平统一的努力，那么台湾问题就会从中美关系的负资产变成正资产，从消极因素变成积极因素，就能为中美关系长期稳定发展提供保障，为中美开展全方位合作开辟前景。
The Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It bears on the national sentiments of the 1.3 billion Chinese people. Right now, cross-Straits relations enjoy a momentum of peaceful development. It is the common desire of people on both sides of the Straits to have peace rather than war, cooperation rather than confrontation, and exchanges rather than estrangement. Gradual integration of the two sides through two-way interactions and cooperation will lead to ultimate reunification. This is a historical trend that no one can stop. For many years, the Taiwan question has been a liability in China-US relations that undermines mutual trust and disrupts cooperation. However, if the United States can go along with the prevailing trend of peaceful development of cross-Straits relations, and genuinely appreciate and respect China's efforts to oppose separation and achieve peaceful reunification, the issue – once a liability and negative factor in our relationship – will be turned into an asset and a positive factor, providing guarantee to the long-term, steady growth of China-US relations and opening prospect for all-round cooperation.
二是中美应共同努力，争取在亚太热点问题的合作上取得实质性成果。这样既可以为在全球范围内开展战略合作积累经验，又能对外展示中美共同维护地区和平稳定的能力和决心。比如朝核问题，中美在这个问题上已积累许多共识，坚定推进半岛无核化，维护东北亚地区的和平，是双方承担的共同责任。昨天正值朝核问题“9•19”共同声明发布8周年，中方在北京举办了“六方会谈启动十周年国际研讨会”。中方认为，实现半岛无核化的正确途径是坚持对话与谈判，六方会谈则是被实践证明行之有效的对话机制。各方应尽快回到“9•19”共同声明的立场上来，共同为重启六方会谈创造必要条件。在这个问题上，美方立场至关重要。中方愿继续与美方保持沟通。
Second, China and the United States should work together to produce substantive results in our cooperation over hotspot issues in the Asia-Pacific. If we can succeed in doing so, we will be able to accumulate experience for strategic cooperation on a global scale, and demonstrate to the rest of the world our ability and resolve to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. A case in point is the Korean nuclear issue. China and the United States have built much consensus on the issue. It is our common responsibility to advance denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and maintain peace in Northeast Asia. Yesterday was the eighth anniversary of the September 19 Joint Statement. The day before yesterday, China hosted an international workshop in Beijing to mark the tenth anniversary of the Six-Party Talks. China believes that dialogue and negotiation is the right path toward a nuclear-weapon-free Peninsula, and that the Six-Party Talks have turned out to be an effective mechanism for dialogue. The parties concerned should recommit themselves as soon as possible to the Joint Statement, and work together to create the necessary conditions for the restart of the Six-Party Talks. The US position on this is of vital importance. China is ready to keep in touch with the US side.
此外，中国也愿同美国在阿富汗等地区热点问题上开展合作，10天前，第二届中美联合培训阿富汗外交官项目在华盛顿开班，我专门发了贺电。阿富汗局势已进入一个关键转折期，能否顺利推进国内和解与重建进程，涉及中美以及本地区各国的共同利益。双方在这一问题上的合作刚刚开始，潜力和空间还很大。只要我们发挥各自优势，相互配合，阿富汗问题完全有望成为两国合作的新亮点。
We are also ready to cooperate with the United States on other regional hotspot issues such as Afghanistan. Ten days ago, the second China-US collaborative training course for Afghan diplomats was launched here in DC. I sent a congratulatory message to the program. Afghanistan is now in a phase of crucial transition. Whether the country can proceed smoothly with domestic reconciliation and reconstruction concerns the common interests of China, the United States and other countries in the region. China-US cooperation on Afghanistan has just started; there is great potential and room for enhanced cooperation. If our two countries can work with each other and bring out our respective strength, we can turn the issue into a new highlight in our bilateral cooperation.
女士们，先生们，
Ladies and Gentlemen,
前不久，习近平主席与奥巴马总统在出席二十国集团圣彼得堡峰会期间再次会晤，两位领导人重申将坚持致力于构建中美新型大国关系。构建这一重要关系，需要中美领导人的政治引领，需要两国社会各界的参与和支持，也需要两国学术界不断为此贡献智慧。布鲁金斯学会是全美最具影响力的智库之一，有美国朋友告诉我，要了解美国政府下一步准备干什么，看看布鲁金斯学会正在研究什么就知道了。布鲁金斯学会一直高度关注中美关系，专门设有桑顿中国中心，云集了一批知名的中美问题专家，为促进中美关系发展做了大量工作。我期待并相信，在构建中美新型大国关系的过程中，布鲁金斯学会一定能够发挥积极作用，做出重要贡献。
Not long ago, President Xi and President Obama met again on the margins of the G20 summit in St Petersburg. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to this new model of major-country relationship. Yet the building of such a relationship requires not only political guidance from our leaders, but also and more importantly, the involvement and support of people across the society in both countries, including the continuous intellectual input from the academia. The Brookings Institution is one of the most influential think-tanks in the United States. According to my American friends, to find out what the US government will do next, one only has to look at what the Brookings Institution is working on. The Brookings Institution has always had a keen interest in US relations with China. For this purpose, it has set up John L. Thornton China Center, bringing together many renowned experts on China-US relations and doing a great deal of work in promoting bilateral ties. I hope and I am confident that as China and the United States build this new model of major-country relationship, the Brookings Institution will continue to play a positive role and make an important contribution.
谢谢大家。下面，我愿回答各位的提问。
Thank you. Now I will be glad to take your questions.
