Professor Xinbo WU, President of the Institute of International Studies Fudan University and Vice President of the FDDI, believes that the United States needs to learn from history, cherish the post-war peace and prosperity, and manage Sino-U.S. relations effectively, as “China and the U.S. are not destined to be adversaries.” Before the World War II, the United States pursued isolationism, while after the war, it became the primary shaper and guardian of the international order. However, following the September 11 attacks, the United States entered decline after prosperity, with domestic consensus collapsing. Nevertheless, the United States is now deeply embedded in the international system and cannot exist apart from the world—a world that includes China. The mutual aid between China and the United States during World War II forged a bond of friendship. Sino-American relations are crucial not only for both nations but also for the Asia-Pacific region and the international system as a whole. The United States should approach its relationship with China with a mindset of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. 

Simultaneously, it is essential for more foreigners—especially the younger generation in the United States—to “understand China.” As early as 2005, Fudan University set a series of programs titled “Chinese Politics and Diplomacy” in English for Western students, hoping they would be the bridges and messengers between China and the United States.

Translated by Yang ZHAO

Full text in Chinese available at:

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