context: Considering the upcoming US presidential elections, the PRC and the US face a sensitive year ahead. Both sides are well aware of that and do not have high expectations for 2024.
Wang Yi 王毅 Foreign Minister outlined Beijing's position on relations with the US at a press conference during the Two Sessions on 7 March 2024. Wang emphasised the three principles proposed by Xi Jinping 习近平 in particular
- mutual respect
- a necessary precondition as interaction sustains only when differences in social and political systems are respected and acknowledged
- peaceful coexistence
- the baseline of relations as conflict and confrontation between the PRC and the US have unimaginable consequences
- win-win cooperation
- the goal when working together: the PRC and the US can do great things conducive to the two countries' interests and the world
Wang acknowledged that PRC–US relations improved since the Xi-Biden summit in San Francisco. However
- US misperceptions toward China continue
- US promises are not truly fulfilled
- the US has been devising various tactics to suppress China
- the US kept lengthening its unilateral sanctions list
Wang urged the US to
- view the PRC’s development objectively and rationally
- engage in exchanges with the PRC proactively and pragmatically
- act to fulfill its commitments