Interview with Wang Wen: China, U.S. handle bilateral ties "better than expected"

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Interview with Wang Wen: China, U.S. handle bilateral ties "better than expected"

2017-09-20

Source: Xinhua    Published: 2017-9-20


"Sino-U.S. relations have so far seen unexpected stability and positive cooperation during U.S. President Donald Trump`s administration," Professor Wang Wen, a leading Chinese scholar, told Xinhua in an interview.


"BETTER-THAN-EXPECTED"


Since Trump took office eight months ago, "Sino-U.S. relations have grown far better than expected in at least three aspects," namely, stability, cooperation and personal ties, said Wang, executive dean of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China.


Trump was known for being a harsh critic of China during his presidential campaign.


However, since Trump assumed presidency, bilateral relations have progressed and have seen more positive signs since the two presidents` meeting at Mar-a-Lago resort in the U.S. state of Florida in April, Wang said.


Wang pointed out that the two countries have managed to cooperate with each other in a wide range of areas, even on such issues as the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.


In the seven phone calls made by the two leaders, China proposed its solutions to major issues including the DPRK, regional stability and global governance, and got positive responses from Trump. "Although differences are inevitable, China and the United States have so far managed to meet each other halfway," Wang said.


In addition, the two leaders have established a good working relationship after their first meeting in April. Wang recalled that on different occasions, Trump expressed his positive attitude toward and his liking for his Chinese counterpart, which was "beyond expectations."


Wang also warned there are several challenges against the future development of Sino-U.S. relations, including risks of mutual misunderstanding and mistrust, structural contradictions in areas of trade and high-tech, as well as the battle for influence in Asia-Pacific.


MISUNDERSTANDINGS REDUCED


Speaking of differences between China and America in culture, tradition, laws and ideology, Wang said that the two countries have seen a rapid increase in people-to-people exchanges and communication, which helps reduce the two sides` misunderstandings and mistrust.


Wang has visited the United States many times in recent years and met with many American scholars. He said he found that today even the extreme conservatives in the United States have begun to view China from a "de-ideologized" perspective.


"The two countries now enjoy an enhanced basis, increased channels, expanded platforms and a rising number of people to have more exchanges and communication, which have made it possible to achieve understanding and mutual trust," said Wang.


Noting that understanding does not mean agreeing with each other, Wang said both China and the United States have managed to share different views and gradually understand each other`s ways of thinking, which help them expand common interests and reduce the risk of conflicts.


To promote friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries, Wang said think tanks in China and the United States should play a larger role in serving as a platform for exchange of ideas so that the two governments and two peoples will better understand each other.


Wang Wen is executive dean of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China.