China, US should reassure each other

 A newspaper commentary said on Saturday that China and the United States should reassure each other with both talks and actions to avoid misunderstanding.
The recent success of the sixth round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the fifth round of High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange indicates that both sides are trying to cut through a lackluster period in bilateral ties by making a "strategic reaffirmation" of their commitment in building a new model of major-country relations, said a commentary under the byline of Zhong Sheng in the People's Daily, flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the annual dialogue, Chinese President Xi Jinping said history and facts have proven that cooperation between China and the U.S. leads to win-win results while confrontation hurts both.
The prime risk facing China-U.S. ties is irrational misunderstanding and misjudgments between the two sides, the article said, underlining the importance of strategic communication.
The "new Cold War" practices will do the two sides no good, and entering the new century with profound changes, both sides should outgrow the mindset and actions of one or two centuries ago, it said.
To promote bilateral ties, the commentary listed several areas that need special attention: the Bilateral Investment Treaty negotiations, climate change and military exchanges.
It also noted that creating more favorable visa rules is among the major concerns of people from the two countries and will bring about closer bonds.
The commentary said the two countries have common interests regarding some maritime issues, such as free navigation and maritime security, which would create conditions for cooperation.
Both China and the U.S. have their dignity and responsibilities that need to be observed, it said, adding that "microphone diplomacy" will only make things more complicated, and good-faith talks and constructive cooperation are the right solution.
"China and the U.S. need both strategic reaffirmation and reassurance by actions to promote relations, and the practice of the two sides' consensus and good will can benefit both sides, as well as the world," the article said.