5.To understand each other’s baseline in the Western Pacific region

The elites from both countries believed that the abstract concept of mutual trust is not so important - they are more concerned about how to truly strengthen bilateral ties. Both sides agreed that China and U.S. are partners and competitors at the same time, or something in between. One U.S. participant speculated that this could signify that U.S. elites feel that the United States and China are at a critical point when bilateral cooperation could be very positive and beneficial, but that tensions could worsen down the road. Therefore, now is the time to take action and implement confidence-building measures to prevent the relationship from deteriorating.

In addition, elite groups from both countries hold different views on how to best serve each other’s interests and guarantee international peace and stability. American elite groups are more inclined to support a unipolar world to continue U.S. dominance, while their Chinese counterparts prefer a multi-polarization system. The difference could represent a major challenge to the bilateral relationship, especially in the Western Pacific region, where China’s economic and military powers continue to increase.

Shi Yinhong, an international problem expert, said: “Some problems can’t be solved immediately. But as long as we understand the core interests and baseline of the other country, we can maintain a respectful attitude.” He added that on the Taiwan issue, China and the U.S. have reached a basic consensus. Now the most important thing is the strategic space of China and U.S. in the Western Pacific region, where China’s strategic vision may influence America’s strategic reality.