US-China differences far outweighed by common interests: Carter

Former American President Jimmy Carter has stressed present differences between the US and China are far outweighed by common interests, and their cooperation benefits not only the two countries but also the world as a whole.

Carter visited Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province, as well as Xian, a historical city in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, during his Sept. 1-10 China tour to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the normalization of the US- China diplomatic ties, in which he played a key role together with former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

"The primary purpose of this visit ... was to enhance understanding between our two countries and to promote collaboration between The Carter Center and our primary contacts in China," Carter wrote in a recently-published report on his China trip.

He mentioned that recent polls indicated that deep suspicion and differences exist between the two countries despite the remarkable progress in improving the bilateral ties over the past 35 years.

"There has been a tremendous surge in China's economic strength and worldwide diplomatic involvement during the past 35 years, since normalization of relations with the United States and simultaneous implementation of 'reform and opening up' in China. This creates an inevitable competitive relationship between the two great powers," he noted.

Carter also recalled a "pleasant" journey to China, during which he was greeted with warm reception and hospitality at every stop by Chinese hosts.

"All our public events were warm and cordial, and throughout our trip there were frequent celebrations of my upcoming 90th birthday, the 110th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping's birth, the 35th year of normal diplomatic relations, and 65 years after my first visit to China and the founding of the People's Republic of China. The beginning of the Harvest Festival enhanced the celebrations," he wrote.

In Beijing, Carter attended "an especially frank and productive third forum on US-China relations" and a large event in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of normal relations of the two countries, with Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao as co-host, both held at the Great Hall of the People.

Carter took part in a ceremony in Xian, the provincial capital of Shaanxi, to initiate a Carter Center partnership with Xian Jiao Tong University for holding a new forum of young Chinese and Americans, with the aim of enhancing understanding between the two countries. The new forum is to be held at the Carter Center in 2015.

In Qingdao, where Carter was stationed briefly as a Marine officer not long before the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Carter was amazed to find that Qingdao, then a small coastal city, has now been transformed into a modern port metropolis. He said he was deeply moved by his Chinese hosts when they presented a birthday cake to celebrate his 90th birthday with a simultaneous fireworks display on the nearby beach.

Carter met with city officials and gave speeches on the US- China ties in Shanghai. In his speeches and following Q&A sessions, the former US president emphasized that peace has prevailed for 35 years between the two countries.

He stressed that the US and China "have had a strong diplomatic, military, and commercial involvement in this region for many generations, and that present differences are far outweighed by interests that we have in common."

"Massive trade and commerce, millions of tourists exchanged, and the 240,000 Chinese students now in the United States provide good opportunities for better understanding and mutual respect," he wrote.

Carter has often described it as his "most important life decision" to formalize the US ties with China in 1979, saying it has brought about not only tremendous changes to the life of both peoples, but also peace and development in the Asian-Pacific region and the world as a whole.

He also stressed that the US and China should not become enemies. "The vast Pacific Ocean has enough space for two large countries like the US and China," he said, quoting Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi, who visited the US in June 2013, is to host another summit with US President Barack Obama in Beijing in early November to discuss ways of further implementing the consensus they reached last year on building a new model of major-country relationship featuring non-conflict and non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.