不畏浮云遮望眼，以史鉴今再出发——谢锋大使在“新时代大讲堂”上的主旨演讲

Floating Clouds Won’t Block Our Vision, History Inspires Us in Setting out toward the Future —— Keynote Speech by Ambassador Xie Feng At the Vision China

尊敬的曲莹璞社长，

布兰斯塔德大使，

兰蒂女士，

女士们，先生们：

Mr. Qu Yingpu, China Daily Publisher and  Editor-in-Chief,

Ambassador Terry Branstad,

Madame Sarah Lande,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

感谢中国日报社邀请，很高兴来到“新时代大讲堂”，在中美建交45周年之际，同各位“老朋友”和“新生代”共同探讨“传承与发展，携手向未来”这一重要课题。

It gives me great pleasure to join you here at the Vision China. In this 45th anniversary year of China-US diplomatic relationship, it is so important to discuss the past and the future with friends both old and young.

新年伊始，习近平主席和拜登总统就中美建交45周年互致贺信。习近平主席指出，中美关系历经风雨，总体向前发展，不仅增进了两国人民的福祉，也促进了世界的和平、稳定和繁荣。重视传承才能更好发展，不忘本来才能开辟未来。回望走过的路，中美关系恢复和发展，是过去50年国际关系史上最重要的事件，也是对世界和平与繁荣作出的最大的贡献。远眺前行的路，中美找到正确相处之道，是今后50年国际关系中最重要的事情，也是两国人民和国际社会最大的期待。

In the beginning of this year, President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden exchanged congratulatory letters on the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. President Xi pointed out that, over the past 45 years, despite the ups and downs, the China-U.S. relationship has on the whole moved forward, which has not only enhanced the well-being of the two peoples, but also promoted world peace, stability and prosperity. 

History provides us inspirations to look ahead to the future. For the past 50 years, the reopening and development of China-US relations was the most important event in international relations and the biggest contributor to global peace and prosperity. For the next 50 years, finding the right way for China and the US to get along with each other will be critical to international relations. It is what both nations and the international community need the most. 

互尊互信是中美对话的基础，从来没有谁高谁一等。中美从接触的第一天起，就选择了和而不同、求同存异。“上海公报”确定了中美关系的基本指导原则，明确指出“中美两国社会制度、对外政策有着本质区别。但双方同意，各国不论社会制度如何，都应根据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、和平共处的原则来处理国与国之间的关系。”从实力地位出发不是国与国相处的正确方式，平等相待、相互尊重才是人间正道。中美应该尊重彼此主权和领土完整，尊重彼此社会制度和发展道路，尊重彼此历史文化和国情差异。

For China and the US, mutual respect and mutual trust are the foundation for dialogue as equals. From the first days of contact, China and the US chose to seek harmony and common ground while acknowledging differences. The Shanghai Communiqué established the basic guiding principles, stating that “the social systems and foreign policies of China and the U.S. differ fundamentally. However, both sides agreed that regardless of social systems, all countries should handle their relations based on respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.” 

For the two countries to engage with each other, the “position of strength”approach is not the correct way. Instead, equality and mutual respect are the right way forward: China and the US must respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, social system and path of development, and acknowledge differences in history, culture, and national realities.

互利互惠是中美合作的本质，从来没有谁占谁便宜。45年前，是共同利益让中美推开了冰封数十年的交往大门，中国有劳动力和市场，美国有技术和资金，优势互补，一拍即合。45年来，中美双向投资从几乎为零到2600亿美元，双边贸易从不足25亿美元到6600多亿美元，两国都从合作中获得了巨大收益。今天，中国成为美国32个州的前三大出口市场，超过7万家美企在华投资兴业，仅对华出口就支撑美国内93万个就业岗位。最新调查显示，72%美企预计今年在华利润率将达到或超过全球平均水平，80%美企计划将在华利润用于再投资。合作是中美唯一正确选择，共赢才能通向美好未来。

Mutual benefit is the defining feature of China-US relationship, neither has taken advantage of the other. Forty-five years ago, it was shared interests that opened the door of China-U.S. relations after decades of estrangement. China had labor and markets, while the U.S. had technology and capital. The two sides had a lot to offer to each other. Over the past 45 years, two-way investments have grown from almost nothing to $260 billion, and bilateral trade has surged from less than $2.5 billion to over $660 billion. 

Both countries have gained substantial benefits along the way. Today, China is one of the top three export markets for 32 US states, and over 70,000 American companies have invested and established businesses in China. US exports to China alone support 930,000 jobs in the U.S. According to the latest surveys, 72% of American companies expect their profit margins in China this year to meet or exceed the global average, and 80% plan to use the profits to reinvest. Cooperation remains the only viable choice for both countries, and helping each other succeed is the path to a brighter future.

互商互谅是中美共处的逻辑，从来没有谁能压垮谁。中美建交45年来，特别是近几年来中美关系跌宕起伏的经验和教训告诉我们，施压、制裁、孤立、遏制、封锁不仅达不到目的，反而会自缚手脚，到头来还得自己给自己解套。冲突对抗不符合中美各自利益，对话协商才是解决问题的正确途径。有话好好说，有事好商量。什么问题都政治化，都往“国家安全”这个筐里装，内病外治，注定是徒劳的；出于国内政治目的打“中国牌”、拿中国说事、消费中美关系，散布虚假信息制造“寒蝉效应”，让“麦卡锡主义”借尸还魂，只会加剧对立。不冲突不对抗是中美必须守住的底线，也是人类最重要的和平红利。

For China and the US, mutual understanding and accommodation is crucial, because neither can bring down the other. The history of China-US relationship in the past 45 years, especially the ups and downs in recent years tell us that pressure, sanctions, isolation, containment and blockade don’t serve the purpose. Rather, they bring self-inflicted trouble and require extra work to offset the unwanted results.

Conflict and confrontation serve no one’s interest. Dialogue and consultation are the better way forward. Politicization, imposing prescriptions on others for one’s own illness and overstretching “national security” concept lead to nowhere. 

Playing “China card” for domestic politics, making an issue of China, consuming China-US relationship, spreading disinformation to produce “chilling effect” or resurrecting McCarthyism will only sharpen division. Non-conflict and non-confrontation is the bottom line and the biggest peace dividend that our two countries can bring to humanity.

女士们，先生们，

Ladies and Gentlemen,

历史长河奔腾不息，有风平浪静也有波涛汹涌，过去45年中美关系并非一帆风顺，但总能乘风破浪、总体向前发展；历史发展有其规律，但人在其中并非消极被动。我们应该作出顺应大势的正确抉择，让中美关系这艘巨轮穿越狂风巨浪、驶往光明未来。面对变乱交织的世界，中国将继续以自身发展的确定性应对国际形势的不确定性，以对美政策的稳定性对冲中美关系的不稳定性，以负责任态度为世界和平、稳定与繁荣作出贡献。

History is like a never-stopping river. Sometimes it is calm, sometimes it has churning currents. Over the past 45 years, China-US relations have not been smooth sailing, but have gone through challenging times. 

Yes, history sometimes runs its own course, but the mankind has the agency. We should make the right choice in keeping with the prevailing trend of history, and steer China-US relations through storms toward a brighter future. 

In a fast changing world, China will continue to serve as a source of stability for the world and the bilateral relationship. We will contribute more to the global peace, stability, and prosperity.

我们推进中国式现代化的决心坚定不移。多年来，中国经济增速在主要经济体中名列前茅，对世界经济增长贡献率保持在30%左右，以享誉全球的中国制造保障了全球产供链稳定，以超大规模市场、高素质劳动力担当全球经济增长的稳定器动力源。世界各国一荣俱荣、一损俱损，中美你中有我、我中有你，损人越重则害己越深，打贸易战科技战没有赢家，更挡不住中国发展。不久前，中国共产党二十届三中全会胜利召开，提出300多项重要改革举措，释放了扩大高水平开放和加快高质量发展的强烈信号，将为中国式现代化提供坚实保障，也为中美互利合作提供新机遇。

China will stay firmly committed to advancing the Chinese modernization. For years, China has kept the fastest growth among major economies, and has contributed around 30% to global growth. The Chinese manufacturing sector has become strong enough to keep global supply chain stable. With a big market and a highly skilled workforce, China has been a stabilizer for world economy. 

At a time when countries are interconnected, China and the US are no exceptions. Undermining others may turn out to harm oneself. Trade and tech wars have no winners, and cannot hinder China's development. Recently, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held its third plenary session, introducing over 300 significant reform measures. That signals a strong commitment to high-level opening-up and high-quality development, providing a solid foundation for the Chinese modernization while presenting new opportunities for the mutually beneficial China-U.S. cooperation.

我们探索中美正确相处之道的努力坚定不移。中美关系的大厦是两国几代人一砖一瓦建设起来的，45年来取得的成果来之不易，过去一年止跌企稳的进展值得珍惜。今天，中美关系的全球影响不是降低了而是增强了，两国的共同利益不是减少了而是增多了，企图全面“脱钩”是天方夜谭，把对方视作新的冷战对手是21世纪最大战略误判，中美陷入冲突对抗更是世界不可承受之重。无论国际风云如何变幻，中国同美方做伙伴、做朋友的意愿一以贯之，按照相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢处理中美关系的原则一以贯之，推动中美关系稳定、健康、可持续发展的目标一以贯之。期待美方同中方相向而行，为合作的一端加码，为分歧的一端减重，共同落实好两国元首共识，争取中美关系稳下来、好起来、向前走。

China will stay firmly committed to exploring the right way for China and the U.S. to get along with each other. The tower of China-U.S. relationship has been built by both countries over generations. What has been achieved over the past 45 years has not come by easily. The progress in stabilizing the relationship over the past year should be cherished by both sides. 

Today, as the global significance of China-U.S. relationship is increasing, the two countries share ever broader common interests. The idea of “decoupling” is illusive. Viewing each other as new Cold War adversaries will prove to be the biggest strategic misjudgment in the 21st century. 

A conflict between China and the U.S. would be unbearable for both and the world. Regardless of international changes, China maintains the readiness to partner and befriend with the US, with mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. 

As always, China wants a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-US relationship. We hope that the US will work with China, to enhance cooperation and address differences, deliver on what’s been agreed between the two Presidents and strive for a more stable, better and forward-going China-U.S. relationship.

我们维护主权安全发展利益的立场坚定不移。中国战略意图光明磊落，对内致力于让中国人民过上美好生活，对外努力为世界和平发展作出更大贡献，不会重蹈历史上传统大国国强必霸的覆辙，也不会吞下损害中国主权安全发展利益的苦果。台湾、民主人权、道路制度、发展权利是中方划出的四条红线，台湾问题是中美关系第一条不可逾越的红线。所谓“民主对抗威权”是个伪命题，中国政治制度和发展道路不可挑战，中国人民的正当发展权利不可剥夺。中美关系要想“兜住底”，首先不能触碰这些“高压线”。美方应该恪守一个中国原则和中美三个联合公报，将不支持“台湾独立”、不寻求改变中国体制、不寻求遏制中国发展等表态落到行动上。

China remains firmly committed to upholding its sovereignty, security and development interests. Domestically, China is dedicated to improving the lives of its people. Internationally, it strives to do more to global peace and development. It will not repeat the historical pattern where powerful nations seek dominance, nor will it allow its sovereignty, security, or development interests to be undercut. 

Of the four red lines China has drawn: Taiwan, democracy and human rights, path and system, and development rights, the Taiwan question is the most paramount in China-US relations and must not be crossed. 

The notion of “democracy versus authoritarianism” is a fallacy. China's political system and development path are non-negotiable, and the legitimate rights of the Chinese people to have a better life must not be deprived. 

For China-US relations to have a “stable floor”, it is critical to avoid touching these “high-voltage wires”. We hope that the US will adhere to the one-China principle and the three joint communiqués , and honor its commitment of not supporting “Taiwan independence”, not seeking regime change in China and bearing no intention to hinder China's development.

我们促进人民交流合作的意愿坚定不移。中美虽远隔重洋，但地理距离从未阻隔两国彼此走近；中美关系虽历经波折，但中美人民友好交往的脚步从未停歇。二战硝烟中，中美人民并肩抗战，孕育了 “飞虎队精神”；冷战阴霾下，双方以“小球转动大球”，书写了“乒乓外交”的佳话；建交之初，邓小平访美期间挥舞牛仔帽致意的场景，至今历历在目；直到今天，跨越百年的鼓岭情缘代代传承，习近平主席亲自培育和推动的中美友谊之树生生不息。中美关系取得的成就，首先要归功于两国人民的共同努力；中美关系继续向前发展，更加需要两国人民的参与支持。我们愿意搭建更多两国人民交往对话、相知相近的桥梁，以人文交流赓续中美友谊。今天不少中美关系的见证者、参与者、贡献者都来到活动现场，我要向所有精心浇灌、呵护传承中美友好的各界朋友致敬！

China remains committed to enhancing people-to-people ties with the US. Despite a vast Pacific Ocean in between, China and the US have never allowed geographical distances to impede bilateral relations. Despite the ups and downs, the friendly exchanges between our peoples have never ceased. 

During World War II, Chinese and American peoples stood together against fascism, leaving behind the famous “Flying Tigers Spirit”. 

Under the shadow of the Cold War, the two sides “moved the big ball with the small ball”, through the famous “Ping-Pong Diplomacy”. 

In 1979, Deng Xiaoping paid a visit to the US. His image of tipping a cowboy hat remains vivid in our memory even today. 

Under President Xi Jinping’s personal care and support, the friendship spanning a century in Guling has endured and grown even stronger . 

The growth of China-U.S. relations has primarily come from the joint efforts of our peoples. Its future relies on our peoples’ participation and support. We will build more bridges of dialogue and communication between our peoples to sustain the tradition of friendship. Present here today include many of the witnesses, participants, and contributors to China-U.S. relations. I salute you and friends from all walks of life who have contributed to this friendship!

女士们，先生们，

Ladies and Gentlemen,

对中美建交45年最好的纪念，就是再接再厉探索新时期两国正确相处之道，携手开创一个美好的未来。发展中美关系事关人人、人人有责，两国青年更肩负着特殊历史责任和时代使命。去年11月，习近平主席在旧金山提出“5年5万”重大倡议，迄今中方已邀请1万多名美国青少年赴华交流学习。欢迎更多美国青少年朋友参加进来，结识中国朋友，体验中华文化，亲身感受真实、立体、全面的中国。青年最富有朝气、最富有梦想，世界的未来属于青年，中美关系的希望寄予青年。希望大家一棒接着一棒跑，继续将中美友好故事讲下去、写下去，为中美关系发展接续注入“青春力量”，为促进世界和平与发展不断作出新贡献。

The best way to commemorate the 45th anniversary year is to explore the right way for our two countries to get along in the new era and usher in a brighter future. The development of China-US relations concerns everyone. We are all in this together. Young people, in particular, bear a special historical responsibility. 

Last November, President Xi Jinping proposed the “50,000 in five years” initiative. Since then, China has invited over 10,000 American youth to China under exchange programs. We welcome more American young people to come, meet Chinese friends, experience Chinese culture and gain a genuine, multi-dimentional understanding of China. 

Young people are energetic and have many beautiful dreams. The future of the world belongs to you. The hope for China-U.S. relations lies with you. We hope you will take on the baton and continue the journey, telling and writing the story of China-US friendship. By injecting “youthful energy” into our relations, we can make this world more peaceful and prosperous.

谢谢大家！

Thank you.