Cui Tiankai: What US, China can do for a win-win in Asia

Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai, invited by the Asia Society Texas Center, gave a speech on the growing importance of Asian Pacific affairs and the key roles that China and US should play in shaping the future of the region.

More than 100 people from local political, business and academic communities attended the luncheon event, including Asia Society Texas Center Chairman Charles Foster, Neil Bush and Chinese Consul General Li Qiangmin.

Ambassador Cui pointed out that the two countries are aware of the importance of the shared responsibility. There is an emerging consensus that China and the US should work together to seek a positive way of interacting with each other in the region. This will bring about a win-win outcome for all in the region.

However, a lot more needed to be done, Cui said.

First is the imbalance and rebalance issue. Today's Asia is totally different than it was at the end of WWII. "Hot-button issues are contained and under control." said Cui.

"We are witnessing a much better balance in our region this helps to achieve better balance in the world," said Cui, adding that help to enhance the historical effort of rebalancing should be welcome.

The second issue Cui talked about was inclusiveness versus exclusiveness, pointing out that Asian countries are at different stages of economic development, with different political systems, cultures and religions.

"We are faced with a choice," he said. "Shall we give full play of diversity in our region, and focus on common interests, make sure our development benefits all countries? Or are we going to divide the region along the lines of economic development, political systems, ideology, culture or religion? As for China, we stand for community building, for common security, widespread prosperity."

Cui said that the people of Asia should take primary responsibility for solving Asia's problems. But this does not mean to the exclusion of others, who are welcome and appreciated. In that regard, the United States is an essential partner for us.

If one country's success means another country's loss, that's zero sum thinking and does not reflect reality, Cui said. "China's development has brought great opportunities to many countries, including the US. China's development is making the cake bigger for everybody."

Cui said that China and the US are building a new model of relations with no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation. "If we work together, it will benefit everyone and the entire world," said Cui.

Ambassador Cui also answered questions about preparations for President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to the US in September, China's efforts in intellectual property protection and US and China cooperation in energy and trade.

mayzhou@chinadailyusa.com