Cover of A Handshake Across the Pacific Ocean [By Li Shen/China.org.cn]

A collection of essays on the 40th anniversary of US-China relations was issued in Beijing on Thursday.

Titled "A Handshake Across the Pacific Ocean", this book commemorates President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972, and analyzes the overall Sino-U.S. relationship while reflecting on both past and future events. It has assembled articles from 20 accomplished Chinese scholars and officials, including many individuals who have played a crucial role in normalizing Sino-U.S. ties over the past 40 years. Selected topics include economics, military, security, diplomacy, politics, trade, environment, technology, cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and demonstrate the breadth and importance of bilateral relations. Authors also discuss sensitive issues such as Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula and Iran, presenting straightforward accounts of Chinese views and contribute constructive suggestions.

In February 1972, U.S. President Richard Nixon visited China and met with Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. He was the first state leader to ever visit from a country that had no established diplomatic relations with China. On February 27, China and the U.S. issued their first joint Communiqué, in which both nations pledged to work toward full normalization of diplomatic relations.

Zhang Deguang, President of China Foundation for International Studies and co-chief editor of this book, said: "A major motivator behind President Nixon's visit was to combat the threat from the U.S.S.R. with China. In recent years, multi-polarization and globalization have provided a broader basis for China and the U.S. to develop closer ties. We have more common interests than before."

Zhang Deguang continued by saying: "The past 40 years have shown that as long as we discard the Cold War mentality and view diplomatic relations from a perspective of interdependency and cooperation, China and the U.S. will build more prosperous relations. This will benefit both sides and help stabilize world peace."

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi stated three rules for the future of bilateral ties in his preface for this book:

First, China-U.S. relations are mutually beneficial and offer a win-win scenario. It is not a zero-sum gain. Our priority is broad common interests. Rowing the same boat and working together is the only correct choice for both state actors. Second, the China-U.S. relationship is a series of strategic ties and goes far beyond a bilateral one. Both sides should always maintain and develop their ties to meet the basic interests of both peoples, and from a strategic view that pursues a long-term purpose. Third, mutual respect is an important prerequisite for the stable and healthy development of bilateral ties. Both countries have different social systems, development levels, histories and cultures. They should seek common ground while reserving differences and respect each other's core interests and concerns.

In his preface for this book, former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, pointed out that many of the 21st century's most significant questions can be addressed successfully only through China-U.S. consultation and cooperation. Charting the way forward in China-U.S. relations calls for sensitivity to both states' perspectives and a willingness to think creatively about a future in which leaders on both sides continue to see it in their countries' best interest to build an emerging world order as a joint enterprise.

The Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs and the China Foundation for International Studies organized contributors, selected and edited these essays.

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