In a compelling address delivered via video at the 2025 Duke-UNC China Leadership Summit, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng emphasized the imperative for peaceful coexistence between China and the United States, two of the world’s major powers.
Ambassador Xie articulated that both nations share an obligation to achieve long-term harmony on the global stage. He urged the U.S. to adopt a correct perception of China, stating, \"If we see each other as a rival and engage in a race to the bottom, neither of us would be a winner, and the world would suffer. If we choose to be each other's partner and help one another succeed, we can prosper together, with the whole world benefiting from it.\"
Highlighting the significance of the one-China principle, Xie stressed the need for the U.S. to handle the Taiwan question in accordance with the three China-U.S. Joint Communiqués. He called on the U.S. to resolutely oppose \"Taiwan independence,\" cease upgrading substantive relations with Taiwan, and stop efforts to expand Taiwan's so-called \"international space.\" Xie warned that attempts to \"use Taiwan to contain China\" would ultimately lead to self-inflicted troubles.
Addressing economic ties, Ambassador Xie pointed out that bilateral trade between China and the U.S. exceeded $680 billion last year, with approximately 73,000 American companies investing in China. He cautioned that any efforts to decouple or disrupt supply chains would inflict significant harm on both economies. Furthermore, he warned against initiating trade or tariff wars, emphasizing that such actions would cause greater damage to those who pursue them.
Reflecting on collaboration in public health, Xie noted that China became the first country to officially schedule fentanyl-related substances as controlled categories in 2019. He highlighted the progress made in China-U.S. counternarcotics cooperation and cautioned against using the fentanyl issue as a pretext for imposing tariffs, labeling such moves as counterproductive.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Xie addressed the emerging global challenges and escalating hotspot issues. He called on both nations to uphold peace, development, and cooperation while rejecting hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism. By embracing their responsibilities as major global powers, China and the U.S. can navigate shared challenges and contribute to a stable and prosperous world.
