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US-China relations
ChinaDiplomacy

China-US relationship needs ‘cool heads and new strategy’ from Beijing

  • A state media commentary has welcomed a resumption in economic talks but warned against an emotional response to disputes
  • Taoran Notes said both sides had reacted emotionally in the past but now needed to find a better way to get along

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Economics and trade remain the cornerstone of China-US relations, a state media commentary has said. Photo: AP
Teddy Ng
China needs to stay cool-headed in formulating its new strategy to engage with the US and avoid an emotional handling of disputes that could lead to bigger problems, Chinese state media said in the wake of two high-level talks between the two countries.

A commentary by Taoran Notes – a social media account affiliated with the state-run Economic Daily, used by Beijing to manage expectations on China-US trade talks – said both countries had responded emotionally when tensions were running high, but it was now necessary to calm down, especially as confrontations would not ease soon.

“Don’t be emotional when dealing with problems, also don’t be complacent about small achievements, and it is even more important to avoid incurring real misfortune by chasing false reputation,” it said, following discussions between China’s economic tsar, Vice-Premier Liu He, and senior US officials – Trade Representative Katherine Tai last week, and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Wednesday.

In Beijing, the talks were seen as a sign that economics and trade are the cornerstone to keeping deteriorating China-US relations stable.

“China and the United States quarrelled and fought fiercely for a while. But after trying all the ways of getting along – except cooperation – China and the United States finally chose the path of cooperation that seeks common ground while reserving differences,” Taoran Notes said.

“China and the United States need to have a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths and intentions, and they need to form a better way of getting along with each other according to the new situation.”

The talks were held after a nine-month hiatus which saw the two countries’ differences affect almost every aspect of bilateral relations.

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