People's exchanges vital

LI HAIDONG

Owing to vastly different cultures, traditions and political institutions, China and the United States have a long way to go to deepen their cooperation. Unlike Washington which often seeks to "change" other countries (including China), China is committed to the idea of "harmony in difference". That is what makes it possible for both countries to seek common ground while shelving their differences.

People-to-people exchanges, especially those between younger generations from both countries, should play a key role in bilateral communications. Many of the US politicians and media professionals who constantly question almost everything that happens in China grew up during the Cold War, and are thus less likely to abandon their deep-rooted parochial mentality.

Indeed, civil groups from both sides have enjoyed an increasing number of exchanges thanks to official efforts to open the door to each other. But that is not enough. Beijing and Washington both need to push for deeper grassroots exchanges with more active and effective policies, and try to convert some American elites' hatred for China into understanding in the long run. The basis of public support for bilateral partnership can be cemented only when more US citizens become truly aware of China's inclusive and cooperative actions.

The author is a professor of US studies at China Foreign Affairs University, and a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University.