China-U.S. relations
After President Barack Obama took office last year, the China-U.S. relationship started on a good footing. But at the end of last year and the beginning of this year the United States sold arms to Taiwan and U.S. leaders met the Dalai Lama. These moves seriously disrupted China-U.S. ties and created difficulties in bilateral cooperation. This is not in the interests of either side, and responsibility for the situation does not lie with China.
A few days ago U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg and Jeffrey Bader, Senior Director for Asian Affairs of the White House National Security Council, visited China. During their visit, both sides had in-depth candid discussions on the China-U.S. relationship and related issues. The Chinese side further gave a complete account on its principled stand on the China-U.S. relationship and on major issues including Taiwan and Tibet. We pointed out that recent U.S. actions have seriously violated the principles set out in the three Sino-U.S. joint c ommuniqués, and the China-U.S. Joint Statement. They have undermined China's core interests and the overall interests of the bilateral relationship. China firmly opposes these actions.
As a matter of urgency the United States should now take China's position seriously, and take practical steps to demonstrate respect for China's core interests and major concerns. It should handle sensitive issues appropriately and work with the Chinese side to restore stable development to the China-U.S. relationship.
A sound China-U.S. relationship is not only in the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples. It is also conducive to peace, stability and the development of both the region and the world at large. China attaches great importance to China-U.S. relations, and has always been committed to building a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship between the two countries. We hope that the United States will work with us in joint efforts towards this end.
|