The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United States, Cui Tiankai on China's Role in the Asia-Pacific Region and China-U.S. Relations

The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United States, Cui Tiankai, spoke on the topic “China's Role in the Asia-Pacific Region and China-U.S. Relations” on April 25. In his address, Ambassador Cui explored China’s strategic goals in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the future of China-U.S. relations.

Ambassador Cui highlighted the role that the Pacific region’s history plays in shaping China’s foreign policy goals, and emphasized that China gives the highest priority to the establishment of peaceful and prosperous relations with its neighbors. This is captured by President Xi Jinping’s statement about Chinese policy: “China remains committed to peace and stability in the region, to good neighborliness with others, to common prosperity and a stronger community, and to peaceful dialogue and negotiations on disputes.”

Ambassador Cui maintained that the “overall situation in the region is stable.” However he pointed out that a number of challenges needed to be addressed. These include common security, economic upgrading, closer integration, and smooth transition. “Our collective response to these challenges will shape our common future,” he said.

China welcomes a constructive role of the United States in regional affairs. In his opinion, “the Pacific is wide enough for both countries [U.S. and China] to develop and prosper. Cooperation will give both of us a much better chance to succeed and make the region a much better place for all.”