汲取历史的智慧，照亮前行的道路

Drawing Wisdom from History to Light up the Road Ahead

——王毅国务委员兼外交部长在“上海公报”发表50周年纪念大会上的讲话

– Video Address by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Meeting in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Shanghai Communiqué

2022年2月28日

28 February 2022

尊敬的李强书记，

尊敬的基辛格博士，

各位朋友、各位嘉宾：

Secretary Li Qiang,

Dr. Henry Kissinger,

Friends,

Distinguished Guests,

很高兴出席“上海公报”发表50周年纪念大会，与中美各界人士一道，回顾破冰历程，总结历史经验，启迪前行之路。我谨对会议的召开表示祝贺！

It gives me great pleasure to attend the Meeting in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Shanghai Communiqué and, together with people from both countries, walk through again that ice-breaking journey, draw experience from history, and seek inspirations for the road ahead. Let me begin by extending congratulations on the convening of this meeting.

50年前的今天，就在大家所在的上海锦江饭店，中美共同发表了“上海公报”，结束了两国长期隔绝的状态，开启了中美关系正常化进程。这意味着两个社会制度不同的大国愿意和平共处，标志着国际关系迎来格局性变化。

Fifty years ago today, right in the Jinjiang Hotel where you are gathering, China and the United States jointly issued the Shanghai Communiqué. It thus ended the prolonged estrangement between the two countries, and started the process toward normalization of China-U.S. relations. It signified the willingness of two major countries with different social systems to co-exist in peace and marked the beginning of structural transformation in international relations.

在“上海公报”精神指引下，中美关系取得一系列重大进展。两个曾经兵戎相见的国家，建立起50对友好省州和233对友好城市关系。新冠肺炎疫情发生之前，每周有300多个航班往来于中美之间，每年有500多万人次跨越大洋两岸。曾经可以忽略不计的中美经贸关系，发展到7500亿美元双边贸易和2400亿美元双向投资的规模。从打击恐怖主义，应对金融危机，阻击埃博拉病毒，到推动签署伊朗核问题全面协议，引领达成气候变化《巴黎协定》，中美合作办成了一件又一件有利于世界的大事。

Guided by the spirit of the Shanghai Communiqué, China and the United States have achieved a series of major progress in their relations. The two countries, once at war with each other, have established 50 pairs of sister provinces/states and 233 pairs of sister cities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 300 flights shuttled between the two countries every week, and over five million travels were made across the Pacific every year. China-U.S. business ties, once negligible, expanded to U.S.$750 billion in bilateral trade and U.S.$240 billion in two-way investment. From tackling terrorism, financial crises and Ebola, to providing leadership in the signing of the JCPOA and the conclusion of the Paris Agreement on climate change, China and the United States did many great things benefiting the world through their cooperation.

吃水不忘挖井人。此时此刻，我们要向毛泽东主席、周恩来总理以及尼克松总统、基辛格博士等中美老一辈领导人致以崇高敬意！向长期致力于中美友好合作的各界人士表示衷心感谢！

As a Chinese saying goes, “When drinking water from the well, one shall not forget those who dug it.” At this moment, we should pay high tribute to Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai, President Richard Nixon, Dr. Henry Kissinger, and other Chinese and U.S. leaders of the older generation. And we would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to people from all sectors who have long committed themselves to China-U.S. friendship and cooperation.

各位朋友！

Friends,

由“上海公报”开启的中美关系，走过了半个世纪风风雨雨。准确把握“上海公报”精神，有助于我们看清楚中美关系为何能够融冰消障，弄明白中美关系怎样才能砥砺前行。

The China-U.S. relationship, kicked off by the Shanghai Communiqué, has gone through 50 years of development with twists and turns. To get a correct understanding of the Communiqué’s spirit will help us see more clearly why the ice in the relationship thawed and barriers were removed, and know how the relationship can forge ahead.

历史告诉我们：顺应时代潮流，就能作出正确的战略抉择。“上海公报”的发表震撼了世界，也改变了世界。两国老一辈领导人洞察世界各国对缓和国际紧张局势的期盼，顺应中美人民对两国和平友好的愿望，以巨大的政治勇气，跨越世界上最辽阔的海洋，实现了历史性的握手。半个世纪过去了，这一让两国彼此走近的根本逻辑并没有改变。

History tells us that by following the trend of the times, we can make the right strategic choice. The issuance of the Shanghai Communiqué shook the world, and also changed the world. Chinese and U.S. leaders of the older generation discerned keenly the expectation of the world for easing international tensions, and acted on the aspiration of the Chinese and American peoples for peace and friendship between the two countries. With great political courage, they made the historic handshake across the vastest ocean in the world. Half a century later, the fundamental logic that prompted the two countries to walk toward each other remains unchanged.

历史告诉我们：坚持求同存异，就能实现不同社会制度国家的和平共处。“上海公报”保留了双方持有的不同意见，因此使两国达成的共识更具意义。这一外交史上的首创，也为不同制度国家建立和发展关系提供了有益借鉴。两国老一辈领导人认识到，中美虽有分歧，但都没有改变对方的意图，都乐见两国并行不悖发展，基于共同利益开展合作。这是“上海公报”体现的重要精神，50年后的今天依然有效。

History tells us that by seeking common ground while reserving differences, we can attain peaceful co-existence between countries with different social systems. The two sides “agreed to disagree” in the Shanghai Communiqué, thus making their agreement even more significant. This creative practice in the history of diplomacy provided a useful reference for the establishment and growth of relations between countries with different systems. The older generation of leaders in both countries realized that despite their differences, neither side had the intention to change the other. Both sides hoped to see that the two countries could grow in parallel and conduct cooperation based on shared interests. This is an important spirit embodied in the Shanghai Communiqué. It remains valid 50 years on today.

历史告诉我们：坚持国际关系基本准则，就能为中美关系构建起真正的护栏。台湾问题是“上海公报”的核心，一个中国原则是中美关系的基石。“上海公报”强调，各国不论社会制度如何，都要恪守尊重各国主权和领土完整、不侵犯别国、不干涉别国内政、平等互利、和平共处原则。这充分体现了联合国宪章的宗旨原则，过去管用，现在适用，今后更要用。

History tells us that by following the basic norms of international relations, we can build real guardrails for China-U.S. relations. The Taiwan question is the core issue in the Shanghai Communiqué, and the one-China principle is the cornerstone of China-U.S. relations. The Communiqué underscores that countries, regardless of their social systems, should all abide by the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, non-aggression against other states, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence. This fully echoes the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It worked in the past, it is relevant now, and it should be upheld in the future.

各位朋友！

Friends,

中美关系目前正面临建交以来少有的严峻挑战，也引起了国际社会对世界重陷分裂的严重担忧。出现这一局面，很重要的原因就是，“上海公报”确立的原则和精神没有得到切实的遵守。

The China-U.S. relationship is facing daunting challenges rarely seen since the establishment of the diplomatic ties. This has also caused the international community to worry deeply about the resurgence of a divided world. An important reason for this situation is that the principles and spirit established by the Shanghai Communiqué have not been truly followed.

中美双方再次需要做出历史性的抉择：是继续和平共处，还是走向冲突对抗？是坚持开放合作，还是回到隔绝对立？正确的答案，其实就蕴含在“上海公报”当中。

China and the United States once again need to make a historic choice – to continue with peaceful co-existence, or to veer into conflict and confrontation; to go on with openness and cooperation, or to turn back into seclusion and antagonism? In fact, the right answer is already enshrined right there in the Shanghai Communiqué.

去年11月，习近平主席同拜登总统举行视频会晤，提出了相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢三原则，明确了中美关系未来走向的框架。拜登总统予以积极回应，并表示不寻求打“新冷战”，不寻求改变中国的体制，不寻求通过强化同盟关系反对中国，不支持“台独”，无意同中国发生冲突。

During his virtual meeting with President Joe Biden last November, President Xi Jinping put forward the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation, laying out the framework for future growth of China-U.S. relations. President Biden responded positively, stating that the United States does not seek a new Cold War or to change China’s system, the revitalization of U.S. alliances is not anti-China, the United States does not support “Taiwan independence”, and it has no intention to have a conflict with China. 

两国元首达成的上述重要共识，既是对历史经验的继承弘扬，更是顺应时代潮流的发展创新。我们敦促美方重拾理性务实的对华政策，同中方一道，将两国元首的共识以及拜登总统作出的表态落到实处，推动中美关系早日重回正轨。

These important common understandings between the two presidents are not just a furtherance of historical experience. Moreover, they are also new and creative advances that conform with the trend of the times. We urge the United States to reinstate a reasonable and pragmatic China policy, and work with China to put into real actions the common understandings between the presidents as well as President Biden’s statement, in a bid to put China-U.S. relations back on track at an early date.

首先，我们要坚持一中原则，夯实中美关系政治基础。台湾自古以来就是中国领土不可分割的一部分。1943年，中英美三国首脑发表《开罗宣言》，明确规定把日本窃取的中国领土，包括台湾、澎湖列岛归还中国。1945年，旨在结束二战的《波茨坦公告》重申，《开罗宣言》的条款必将实施。这些都明白无误地表明，国际社会对中国拥有台湾的领土主权不存在任何争议。台湾也依法回归了祖国的怀抱。

First, we must uphold the one-China principle and consolidate the political foundation of China-U.S. relations. Taiwan has been an inalienable part of Chinese territory since ancient times. In 1943, leaders of China, the United Kingdom and the United States issued the Cairo Declaration, stating clearly that all the territories Japan has stolen from the Chinese, such as Taiwan and the Penghu Islands, shall be restored to China. In 1945, the Potsdam Declaration, which was aimed at ending World War II, reiterated that the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out. All this shows unequivocally that there is no controversy at all in the international community regarding China’s sovereignty over Taiwan. And Taiwan returned to the embrace of the motherland in accordance with law.

作为中国内战的遗留问题并受到美国等外部势力干涉，海峡两岸长期陷入政治对立的特殊情况。但中国的国家主权和领土完整从未分割，大陆和台湾同属一个中国的事实从未改变，全体中华儿女追求祖国统一的努力也从未停止。

As a legacy of the Chinese civil war and due to the interference by the United States and other external forces, the two sides across the Taiwan Strait have been mired in a special situation of prolonged political antagonism. However, neither China’s national sovereignty nor its territorial integrity has ever been divided. The fact that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China has never changed. And the entire Chinese people have never stopped their endeavor for national reunification.

1971年，美方向中国申明愿在台湾问题上奉行新的原则，包括美方承认世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中国的一部分；美方今后不会有任何台湾地位未定的言论；美方过去没有，今后也不会支持任何“台独”运动。尼克松总统1972年访华期间，向周恩来总理确认了上述原则。这才诞生了“上海公报”。

In 1971, the United States affirmed to China the new principles it would follow with regard to the Taiwan question. They include: the United States would acknowledge that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is a part of China; the United States would not repeat the phrase that the status of Taiwan is undetermined; the United States had not supported, and would not support movements for “Taiwan independence”. President Nixon reaffirmed these principles to Premier Zhou Enlai during his visit to China in 1972. That was how the Shanghai Communiqué came into being.

“上海公报”明确表示，美国认识到在台湾海峡两边的所有中国人都认为，只有一个中国，台湾是中国的一部分，美国政府对这一立场不提出异议。在中美1978年发表的“建交公报”中，美国承认世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中国的一部分，中华人民共和国政府是中国的唯一合法政府。双方1982年签署“八·一七公报”，美方承诺无意侵犯中国的主权和领土完整，无意干涉中国的内政，也无意执行“两个中国”或“一中一台”政策。同时，美方郑重声明，美国不寻求执行一项长期向台湾出售武器的政策，将逐步减少售台武器，并经过一段时间后最终解决这一问题。

It is explicitly stated in the Shanghai Communiqué that the United States acknowledges that all Chinese on either side of the Taiwan Strait maintain there is but one China and that Taiwan is a part of China. The United States Government does not challenge that position. In the 1978 Joint Communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations, the United States acknowledges the Chinese position that there is but one China and Taiwan is a part of China; and recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. In 1982, the two sides issued the Communiqué of August 17, in which the U.S. side reiterates that it has no intention of infringing on Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity, or interfering in China’s internal affairs, or pursuing a policy of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.” The U.S. side also states that it does not seek to carry out a long-term policy of arms sales to Taiwan, and that it intends to reduce gradually its sales of arms to Taiwan, leading over a period of time to a final resolution.

然而，中美建交后不久，美方出台了所谓“与台湾关系法”，之后又内部提出所谓“对台六项保证”。这两个东西都是美国单方面炮制的，违背了美方在中美三个联合公报中所做的承诺，违反了联大2758号决议确立并为国际社会普遍遵守的一个中国原则，因此从一开始就是非法和无效的。

However, not long after establishing diplomatic ties with China, the United States enacted the so-called “Taiwan Relations Act” and later covertly pieced together the so-called “Six Assurances” to Taiwan. Both of these were unilaterally concocted by the United States. They conflict with U.S. commitments in the three joint communiqués, and violate the one-China principle established by the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 which is widely observed by the international community. They are therefore illegal and void from the very beginning.

作为国与国之间的关系，中美关系只能建立在两国达成的共识，也就是中美三个联合公报基础之上，而不是美国的国内法或单方面政策。这是国际上的通行规则，也是国际关系基本原则。美国不能把国内法凌驾于国际法之上。

China-U.S. relations, as a state-to-state relationship, can only be built on common understandings reached between both countries, namely the three joint communiqués, rather than on domestic laws or unilateral policies of the United States. That is a universally accepted international rule and a basic principle of international relations. The United States shall not place its domestic legislation above international law.

回顾这段历史，台湾问题的事实清清楚楚，一个中国的经纬明明白白。历史不容篡改，是非不能歪曲。美方应该回归一个中国原则的本源本义，恪守对中国作出的政治承诺，承担应当履行的国际义务，停止虚化掏空一个中国原则，停止纵容支持“台独”行径，停止策划“以台制华”的图谋，停止任何干涉中国内政的言行，这样才能真正维护台海和平稳定，维护中美关系大局。

A review of this episode of history shows that facts on the Taiwan question are crystal clear, and that the historic dynamics of the one-China principle are self-evident. History brooks no falsification, and what is right or wrong should not be distorted. The United States should return to the original and true meaning of the one-China principle, honor its political commitments to China, and fulfill its due international obligations. It should stop draining the one-China principle of its essence, and hollowing it out. It should stop encouraging and supporting “Taiwan independence” moves, stop attempting to use the Taiwan question to contain China, and stop saying or doing things that interfere in China’s internal affairs. Only in doing so can peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait be truly maintained and the larger interests of China-U.S. relations be upheld.

第二，我们要坚持相互尊重，把握中美关系正确方向。不论是过去、现在还是将来，中美都会是两个在社会制度、历史文化等各方面存在很大差异的国家，这是谁也无法改变的事实，也是人类文明多样性的体现。双方要以更加宽阔的视野和更为包容的态度看待中美关系，坚持对话而不对抗，合作而不冲突，开放而不封闭，融合而不脱钩。

Second, we must respect each other and ensure the right direction for China-U.S. relations. China and the United States have always been, and will continue to be, countries significantly different in social system, history, culture, and many other areas. That is a fact that no one can change and also reflects the diversity of human civilization. The two sides need to view their relations in a broader perspective and more inclusive attitude, and choose dialogue over confrontation, cooperation over conflict, openness over seclusion, and integration over decoupling.

中国的社会制度和发展道路，是14亿中国人民的坚定选择和集体意志，是中国历史发展演变的必然。中国尊重美国的社会制度，从不赌美国输，希望美国继续开放自信，保持发展进步。同样，美国也应当尊重中国的发展道路，欢迎一个和平、稳定、繁荣的中国，摒弃零和博弈的迷思，放下围堵遏制中国的执念，冲破“政治正确”的桎梏，真正把中国当做发展进程中的伙伴，而不是权力游戏中的敌人。

China’s social system and development path are of the firm choice and collective will of the 1.4 billion Chinese people, and the natural course of the evolution of China’s history. China respects the social system of the United States, and never bets against the United States. China hopes that the United States will stay open and confident, and keep growing and making progress. Likewise, the United States should respect China’s development path, and welcome a peaceful, stable and prosperous China. It should abandon its mania for zero-sum games, give up its obsession with encircling and containing China, and break free from the shackles of political correctness. The United States should truly see China as a partner in the course of development, rather than an adversary in power games.

中美关系的主流应当是合作，以竞争来定义是以偏概全。即使是竞争，也要有边界，基于公平公认的国际规则，既让本国更快更强，也让各国更加团结，一起向未来。即使有竞争，也应该比一比谁能把自己的国家治理得更好，谁能为这个世界做出更多贡献。

Cooperation represents the mainstream of China-U.S. relations. To define the relationship as competition is oversimplification. Even in competition, there should be boundaries, as well as widely recognized international rules based on fairness. This not only enables one country to be faster and stronger, but also makes all countries more united for a shared future. Even if there is competition, it should be about who does a better job in running the country and who contributes more to the world.

第三，我们要坚持合作共赢，促进中美各自发展繁荣。当前，中美都面临新的发展形势。中国致力于实现高质量发展和共同富裕，美国着力振兴中产阶级，合作才是双方最好的选择。世界足够大，完全容得下中美各自的发展，也期待两国致力于双赢，并且与各国共赢。

Third, we must pursue win-win cooperation and promote the development and prosperity of both countries. At present, China and the United States are both facing new circumstances for development. For China to realize high-quality development and common prosperity for all, and for the Unites States to rebuild the middle class, cooperation is the best choice for both sides. The world is big enough to accommodate the development of both China and the United States. And it expects the two countries to strive for win-win results, and achieve all-win with all other countries.

中国愿同美方一道，发挥彼此相对优势，扩大在经贸投资、能源、基础设施等领域的务实合作，不断拉长两国合作的清单。中国将继续全面深化改革，以更短的负面清单、更优的营商环境、更大力度的制度型开放，与世界分享中国的发展机遇，欢迎美国企业更积极融入双循环发展格局。美方也应该为建设开放型世界经济作出表率，带头遵守国际经贸规则，为包括中国在内的各国企业提供公平、公正、非歧视的市场环境。

China is ready to work with the United States to fully bring out our comparative strengths, expand practical cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, energy and infrastructure, and steadily make our cooperation list longer. China will continue to comprehensively deepen reform. We will share development opportunities with the world through a shorter negative list, better business environment and greater institutional opening-up. We welcome more active involvement by U.S. firms in China’s new development paradigm featuring dual circulations. The United States should also take the lead in building an open world economy and observing international economic and trade rules, and provide a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory market environment for businesses from all countries, including China.

国之交在于民相亲，人文交流是促进两国人民相互了解的桥梁。我们要推进各领域各层级的接触沟通和交流合作，加强地方省州、城市之间和两国民间、智库、媒体、企业等各界的相互交流，激活两国人民交往的热情，拉紧中美之间友好的纽带。

Amity between the people holds the key to good relations between countries. People-to-people exchanges serve as a bridge for greater mutual understanding between our two peoples. We should promote the engagement, communication, exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in all areas. We should step up the exchange at sub-national levels and between cities, peoples, think tanks, media and businesses, ignite our people’s enthusiasm for interactions, and strengthen the bond of friendship between China and the United States.

第四，我们要坚持大国责任，为世界提供更多公共产品。全球性挑战需要全球性合作，中美都应拿出大国担当，发挥大国作用。

Fourth, we must shoulder responsibilities as major countries and provide the world with more public goods. Global challenges call for global cooperation. China and the United States, as major countries, need to stand up to the mission, and play due roles.

两国可以携手向非洲等发展中国家提供更多疫苗，形成“免疫屏障”，助力全球战胜疫情。保持宏观经济政策协调，为全球经济增添信心韧性，推动疫后复苏走深走实。双方还可以共同应对气候危机，为自然守住安全边界，实现全球绿色、低碳、可持续发展。我们对美方参与共建“一带一路”倡议和全球发展倡议持开放态度，也愿考虑同美方“重建更好世界”倡议进行协调，向世界提供更多的优质公共产品。

The two countries can join hands to provide more vaccines for Africa and the rest of the developing world, with a view to building a shield for immunity and contributing to a global victory against COVID-19. We need to maintain macroeconomic policy coordination, inject greater confidence and resilience to the global economy, and bolster solid recovery from the pandemic. We can work together to address the climate crisis, protect nature, and realize green, low-carbon and sustainable development worldwide. China is open to U.S. participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. We are also ready to consider coordinating with the Build Back Better World initiative of the United States to provide more quality public goods for the world.

中美在“上海公报”中共同声明，任何一方都不应该在亚洲-太平洋地区谋求霸权。这一条在当下仍具有重要意义。中国过去现在今后都不会谋求任何霸权，美方也应该这么做。亚太是中美利益交融最集中的地区，也是两国互动最频密的地区，理应成为双方构建互信合作的示范田，而非一方谋求势力范围的后花园，更不是两国对立冲突的角斗场。美国应该停止在地区搞阵营对立、封闭排他的小圈子，同中方及地区国家一道，共同打造开放包容、创新增长、互联互通、合作共赢的亚太大家庭。

China and the United States jointly stated in the Shanghai Communiqué that “neither should seek hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region”. Today, this statement remains as relevant as ever. China has not, does not and will not seek any hegemony, and neither should the United States. The Asia-Pacific region, where the two countries’ interests are most interwoven and their interactions most frequent and close, should well become a demonstration field of building mutual trust and cooperation, rather than a backyard where one pursues sphere of influence, let alone a wrestling ground for confrontation or conflict. The United States should stop initiating bloc confrontation and developing small, exclusive circles in the region. It should work with China and other regional countries to build a big Asia-Pacific family featuring openness and inclusiveness, innovation-driven growth, greater connectivity, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

各位朋友、各位嘉宾！

Friends,

Distinguished Guests,

中美两国人民都是伟大的人民。中美关系的大门既然打开了，就不应再关上。世界既然走出了冷战，就不应再降下铁幕。站在新的历史起点，我们应当从“上海公报”中汲取更多智慧，以两国元首的重要共识为指引，努力找到新形势下中美两国相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢的正确相处之道，努力造福两国，惠及世界。这是中美两国应有的责任与担当！

Both the Chinese and American peoples are great peoples. Since the door of China-U.S. relations has been opened, it should not be closed again. Since the world has emerged from the Cold War, it should not see the descending of another iron curtain. Standing at a new historical starting point, we need to draw wisdom from the Shanghai Communiqué, follow the guidance of the important common understandings between the two presidents, and find the right way for China-U.S. relations under the new circumstances on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, so as to deliver benefits to both countries and the world. And that is the due responsibilities and obligations of China and the United States.

谢谢！

Thank you!