After diplomatic relations were formally established in 1979, we witness something called “the honeymoon stage” in relations between China and the United States. It was during this time that many Americans, especially a wide range of journalists, began coming to China to see “what it’s all about”. It was also during this time that the first Chinese students began to come to the United States for studies.
As China began to expand economically, relations were further strengthened between the two countries. After the September 11 attacks, the PRC offered strong public support for the war on terrorism.
A few weeks ago, in January, President Hu Jintao visited the United States, and discussed important points that would be crucial for the development of future relations.
At this meeting, President Hu expressed the need to develop of China-U.S. ties, to enhance new ways of thinking, new actions and new climate, according to Xinhua News Agency.
“It is fair to say our two countries have never enjoyed such broad common interests and shouldered such important common responsibilities as we do today,” reported Xinhua.
With China being the second largest economy in the world, its influence in the globe is growing. The economic influence China has in East Asia, particularly in ASEAN countries, as well as in other parts of the world is growing. With the financial crisis still lurking within the United States, economic cooperation is crucial. This is why the two countries are looking for new ways of cooperation. At the start of Hu Jintao’s visit, the countries agreed on export deals that are worth $45 billion dollars.
Cooperation between the two countries, as talked about in my previous article, began in the 1970s, during a time in history that was quite difficult for both sides. On the one hand, there was China, going through the Cultural Revolution, and the United States was in the middle of the Cold War. Cooperation was something that could, perhaps, at that point, could benefit both sides.
In the modern world, cooperation between the two powers is something that is even more important. Further, I would like to highlight some of the points that were discussed during the visit, highlight the ones I find most crucial for future development.
— Both China and the United States are committed to upholding world peace and stability and reforming the international system.
— Both China and the United States are committed to the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.
— Both China and the United States are committed to stronger bilateral cooperation in all fields to the benefit of the two peoples, according to Xinhua News agency.
All of these statements are proof of one thing: that both sides realize the importance of their influence in different regions of the world, which is a sign that the world must now be multi-polar.