Chinese Ambassador Xie Feng Stresses Democracy's Role in Solving People's Problems at Harvard Conference

In a speech at the opening ceremony of the Harvard Kennedy School China Conference 2024, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng emphasized the importance of democracy in solving people's problems. Xie stated that China has chosen to pursue modernization at home while working to build "a community with a shared future for mankind" internationally.

Acknowledging the many global challenges and conflicts, such as the ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine, Xie stressed the need for the world to join forces rather than divide. He expressed hope that the U.S. and China can find the right way to get along in a new era, based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.

Why this matters: As two major global powers, the relationship between China and the United States has extensive consequences for international stability and cooperation. Finding common ground and ways to work together despite differences is vital for addressing shared challenges facing humanity.

Xie outlined five key areas for the two countries to address: developing the right perception of each other, managing disagreements effectively, advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly shouldering responsibilities as major countries, and fostering people-to-people exchanges. He encouraged U.S. citizens to travel to China and contribute to creating a future of lasting peace and prosperity for all.

The ambassador emphasized that China does not see the "Thucydides Trap" as inevitable in its relationship with the U.S. He said China is willing to work with the U.S. based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation to foster the stable and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.

Xie criticized the U.S. for trying to suppress and encircle China in the name of competition, saying this would only lead to strategic risks. He called for the two sides to advance cooperation and prudently manage differences to turn the "San Francisco Vision" into reality and foster the sound, stable, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.

In his speech, Xie reiterated China's commitment to achieving Chinese modernization domestically and building a community with a shared future for mankind globally. He said China's choice is clear in this turbulent time - to focus on its own development while working to create a more united international community.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese ambassador emphasizes importance of democracy and global cooperation.
• Calls for US-China relationship based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.
• Outlines 5 key areas to address: perceptions, disagreements, cooperation, responsibilities, and people-to-people exchanges.
• Rejects "Thucydides Trap", says China focused on own development and building united international community.
• Criticizes US attempts to suppress and encircle China, calls for advancing cooperation and managing differences.