by Xinhua writer Deng Xianlai

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United States and China should make a persistent effort to improve bilateral ties in the Year of the Snake, a former U.S. ambassador to China has said.

"My main message is, frankly, let's just do what we can. Be smart, be cool, be calm and be positive. Be persistent and be patient," Max Baucus, former U.S. ambassador to China from 2014 to 2017, told Xinhua at a reception hosted by the Chinese embassy in the United States to celebrate the Spring Festival.

Baucus expressed hope that the relationship between the United States and China will improve in the coming years.

"I say that because it has to get better," Baucus said, adding it is his observation that both countries are exploring ways to "get the relationship back on track."

"Essentially, Chinese people are just like American people. We're the same," he said. "By that, I mean we both want to have good incomes. We both want to have food on the table. We want to take care of our kids ... People in China and people in America have the same hopes, issues and desires."

After nearly three years in China as the U.S. ambassador, Baucus is deeply enchanted by the culture and people of China.

"My wife and I love being in China. I love the Chinese people. They're outspoken and candid. They get things done. They're positive, and we had a great time in China," he told Xinhua.

The Spring Festival, which began on Jan. 28 this year, marked its first celebration since being inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024.

Born in a Year of the Snake himself, Baucus said he is "even more enamored" with the Spring Festival this year than ever.

"That's a personal view, but I also think it's very important for the new year to be elevated to a very high level," he said, "because I think people around the world are very interested." Enditem

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