China and U.S. need to shoulder responsibilities as major powers

Note: The following article is taken from the Chinese-language "Commentaries on International Affairs".

President Xi Jinping met this week with a delegation of The Elders, a group of retired global leaders brought together by former South African president Nelson Mandela in 2007 to work together on peace and justice. At the meeting, Xi expressed his hope that China and the United States can manage their differences and expand their cooperation in order to shore up global confidence at a time of rising economic uncertainty. President Xi stressed that major countries have a special responsibility to manage their bilateral relationships, as these ties directly affect global strategic stability.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with The Elders delegation, led by its chair, former president of Ireland Mary Robinson, in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 1, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua/Rao Aimin]

The topic of responsibility has been mentioned frequently by President Xi when it comes to the ties between Beijing and Washington, especially after he met with President Donald Trump in Argentina last December. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council that account for 40 percent of the world economy, they play a pivotal role in promoting global growth, maintaining international peace, and coping with global challenges. The new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation offers great opportunities to the world. But the world is also facing risks caused by rising protectionism and unilateralism, weak economic growth, and rising non-traditional security threats. China and the United States need to address these risks, and work together to create development opportunities for all.

China has already been proactive in advocating greater cooperation among the world’s nations. This was evident in the decision to launch the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to build and strengthen trade ties among countries around the world. And it can also be seen in the decisions to provide more than 30,000 troops for United Nations peacekeeping operations.

During his latest visit to Europe, President Xi called on all countries to actively participate in global governance in order to address what he called the “four deficits” in global affairs, namely deficits in governance, trust, peace, and development. China is a developing country, but it hasn’t shied away from its global responsibilities despite still having more than 16 million people living in poverty at home. It’s only right that the United States shoulders a greater share of responsibility being the home of the world’s largest developed economy and the most cutting-edge science and technology.

As the latest round of economic and trade talks begins in Washington, the world can only hope that the two sides find a way to work together effectively in order to provide a must needed boost to global confidence.