China, U.S. can avoid "Thucydides Trap" (2)

But the development of both economies is not a "zero-sum game." The Asia-Pacific region is big enough to allow the common development of both countries. The bilateral relationship should be based on hope rather than fear, trust rather than doubt.

China is pursuing a path of scientific and peaceful development and has been seeking a model of cooperation that features equality, mutual trust, inclusiveness and mutual benefit.

Facing the downturn of the world economy amid a lingering financial crisis, as well as threats to international and regional security such as tensions and conflicts in certain regions, the world needs to build a more balanced and fair international political and economic order that promotes common development.

Cooperation and coordination among major powers would be especially crucial in this process.

Since the S&ED was launched in 2009, China and the U.S. have discussed strategic, long-term and comprehensive issues that are closely related to the development of bilateral relations, scoring a multitude of achievements in the process.

Strategically, both sides have engaged in communication on issues regarding the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, security, arms control and military exchanges.

Economically, a series of agreements have been reached that have brought concrete benefits to the people of both sides and injected strong energy into the development of the new model of relations between major powers.

Both governments are expected to demonstrate their political wisdom and diplomatic abilities in the two-day dialogue and generate positive results that not only conform to the interests of both sides, but also to the peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world.

"The Thucydides Trap" offers a worthy caution, but it is not a tragedy that can not be avoided.

The 21st century will not necessarily mark the rise of China alongside the fall of the U.S., rather, through joint efforts, the two sides can see the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, U.S. recovery and a developing world, simultaneously.