Chinese Foreign Minister meets Harvard Professor Allison

China and the U.S. should establish a strategic framework for coexistence to avoid falling into the Thucydides's Trap, a concept popularized by Harvard University Professor Graham Allison, which he said is crucial for both countries and the world, Allison said during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, praised Professor Allison for his efforts in promoting mutual understanding between China and the U.S. and exploring ways for the two countries to coexist. He noted that Chinese people value the concept of "harmony without uniformity," a traditional Eastern philosophy that is fundamentally different from the Western zero-sum mentality of "black or white, you-lose-I-win." 

This philosophy promotes harmonious coexistence through mutual respect and recognition of differences, while expanding common interests. Wang emphasized that China and the U.S. now need to construct a new narrative to guide future interactions between major powers..

Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation are China's fundamental principles in managing relations with the U.S.. It is hoped that both sides will work together to properly address the fundamental issue of mutual perception, fasten the "first button" of China-U.S. relations correctly, and, in line with the three principles, find the right way for the two major countries to coexist, Wang said.

People of insight from various sectors are also expected to play an active role in fostering an objective and positive understanding of China and in promoting sound interactions between the two countries, Wang added.

Allison observed that the concept of "harmony without uniformity" aligns with the American value of embracing diversity. 

Living on the same planet, deeply interconnected, both sides should pursue a strategic framework for coexistence to avoid falling into the Thucydides's Trap. 

A new principled framework should be established to guide the future development of bilateral relations, with mutual respect as the first principle. Allison also expressed his willingness to continue contributing to enhancing communication and promoting the stable development of relations between the two sides.