Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng: Not only should we promote the stable and long-term development of Sino-US relations this year, but also explore the right way for China and the United States to coexist in the new era.

On April 14, during his visit to the state of Indiana in the Midwest of the United States, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng was invited to speak at a roundtable meeting of the business community in Indiana. Xie Feng said that President Xi Jinping pointed out that the hope of China-US relations lies in the people, is based on the grassroots, looks to the future with the youth, and thrives in the local communities. In 2003, President Xi Jinping announced the "5-Year 5,000" initiative in San Francisco, with the aim of promoting exchanges between Chinese and American young people. To date, more than 40,000 American youth have visited China for exchanges and studies, far exceeding expectations. Some Americans view China as a "rising threat," considering China as a competitor or even an enemy. Influenced by the so-called "politically correct" and "hawkish effect" policies towards China, many friends may privately support cooperation between China and the United States but are reluctant to openly express their views. One of my tasks after taking office in 2023 is to find those old friends who support the development of China-US relations one by one and join forces to speak up. A poll conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs at the end of 2025 showed that 53% of American people support friendly cooperation with China, marking the first time in five years that the majority has approved such cooperation. This warming trend in public opinion is very encouraging. Xie Feng emphasized that the 47-year history of Sino-US diplomatic relations has repeatedly proven that not engaging in dialogue is not an option, and attempting to change the other party is unrealistic. The consequences of conflict and confrontation are unbearable for either side. China and the United States should be partners, be friends, achieve mutual success, and prosper together. This year is a "big year" for China-US relations, with both sides set to witness a series of high-level exchanges. China and the United States will also respectively host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting and the G20 Leaders' Summit. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, we should not only promote the steady and far-reaching progress of China-US relations this year, but also explore the right way for China and the United States to coexist in a new era on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, benefiting both countries and the world.