正因为存在这些问题和差异,两国对话合作就更显重要。唯有合作,才能保持和扩大双方关系的积极面,管控和减少消极因素,使两国关系的主流始终同两国长远利益的需要相吻合。这就是“合则两利”的前途,否则,只能滑向“斗则俱伤”的结局。
These issues and differences make it all the more important for China and the United States to engage in dialogue and cooperation. Only through cooperation can we maintain and expand the positive areas of bilateral relations and manage and reduce the negative factors. Only through cooperation can we ensure that the mainstream of our relations is always aligned with the long-term interests of our two countries. This will be a future of win-win cooperation. The opposite would be a situation of lose-lose confrontation.
为此,中美双方都需要牢记两国关系发展的基本经验,摒弃落伍于时代的观念。联系当前中美关系发展的需要,有几点值得我们深入思考。
Therefore, both China and the United States need to remember the basic experience we have gained in developing bilateral relations and abandon the outdated mindset. Bearing in mind what is required now to move forward China-US relations, there are several points that deserve our serious consideration.
思考之一,平等和尊重决定相互交往的高度。中美交往从一开始就不存在谁求谁、谁依附谁的问题。恪守一个中国政策,坚持中美三个联合公报和中美联合声明的原则,尊重彼此的核心利益和重大关切,是两国关系行稳致远的基础。
Point one, equality and respect determines how far bilateral exchanges can go. China-US relations have never been about one side begging for favor from the other side or depending on the other side. The commitment to the one China policy, the principles in the three Sino-US joint communiqués and the joint statements, and respect for each other's core interests and major concerns constitute the foundation of our relationship if it is to make steady and solid progress in the long run.
思考之二,相互信任决定互利共赢的深度。无端猜疑不仅没有必要,而且十分有害于双方合作。中美利益交融的格局继续深化,中国的发展不仅不会威胁和损害美国的利益,而且会在方方面面为美国和美国人民带来更多机遇。同样,一个保持繁荣、讲求合作的美国,也有利于中国的发展。我赞成盖特纳财长两天前在我的母校所讲的,中美“彼此的成功对于对方都十分重要”。
Point two, mutual trust determines how much mutual benefit we can gain from our relationship. Unfounded suspicion is not only unnecessary but also very harmful. The deepening of shared interests between China and the United States and the development of China will not threaten or undermine US interests. Quite the contrary, it will bring more opportunities to the United States and the American people in many different fields. Likewise, a prosperous United States that seeks cooperation will benefit China's development. I agree with what Treasury Secretary Geithner said the other day at my Alma Mater, that China and the United States "have a great deal invested in each other's success."
思考之三,平常心态决定看待分歧的气度。和任何其它双边关系一样,中美有交往就会有分歧,即使是合作领域,也存在十个手指长短不齐。中美关系顺利时,要放眼长远,对困难估计足一些。关系不顺时,要着眼大局,不让一时一事干扰整体合作。
Point three, a sensible approach determines how effective we can be in addressing our differences. Like in any bilateral relationship, China-US exchanges will reveal disagreements between the two sides, and different areas of cooperation may proceed at different pace, just as a person's ten fingers are different in length. When the bilateral relationship goes well, we need to think about the long term and be prepared for potential difficulties. When the relationship is strained, we need to bear in mind the larger picture and not allow any individual issue to disrupt our overall cooperation.
只要我们想明白了这些道理,并且真正付诸实践,就能把握好中美关系的大局和主流,就会有更强的信心和恒心来推动两国合作迈出更加坚实的步伐。
If we think these points through and put them to action, we will better grasp the larger picture and theme of China-US relations and have greater confidence and perseverance to take even more solid steps to advance our bilateral cooperation.