High-level Dialogue with U.S. Political Parties

Wang Jiarui (2nd R), visiting head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, talks with Madeleine Albright (2nd L), representative of U.S. Democratic Party and former U.S. secretary of state, during the 2nd U.S.-China High-Level Political Party Leaders Dialogue in Washington, the United States, Dec. 3, 2010. [Xinhua Photo]

The final example is the four high-level dialogues held between the CPC and main parties of the U.S. in the last few years. The first took place in Beijing on March 31, 2010. Wang Jiarui, head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Williamson gave speeches. Wang said the CPC and U.S. political parties and the statesmen of China and the U.S., one as the world's largest developing country and the other as its largest developed country, should transcend differences in ideology, social systems and cultural traditions and abandon prejudices so as to continuously strengthen China-U.S. trust and promote the healthy, stable, and long-term development of their bilateral ties. The U.S. side acknowledged the importance of China to the U.S. as well as the world and that it was the two sides' shared interest to develop the U.S.-China ties. Madeleine Albright, as a representative of the Democrats, explained the function and operation of American parties and expressed her willingness to understand the CPC through dialogues. Richard Williamson, who was representing the Republicans, pointed out that though political parties may differ in their political ideas, they are often confronted with the same or similar problems and tasks during the course of promoting their national prosperity.

Wang, Albright and Williamson returned the following two years to chair the second and third high-level dialogues held in Washington D.C. and Beijing respectively. In Washington the two sides conducted dialogues on governance philosophy and practices, China-U.S. relations and major international and regional issues of their common interest. Exchanges in Beijing where expanded to talk about economic and social policy adjustment and innovation. The Chinese side reiterated China's principles and position on the Taiwan issue and demanded the U.S. take practical measures to maintain the overall condition of their bilateral ties as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

The fourth high-level dialogue was held in Washington D.C. in December 2011, attended by the CPC delegation and delegates of the Democratic and Republican parties. Wang Jiarui and Madelaine Albright again represented their parties at the forum and delivered speeches at the opening ceremony, this time joined by former senator Jim Web as the representative of the Republican party. Representatives of the Democratic and Republican parties recognized the important role played by party-to-party dialogue in advancing the China-U.S. relationship, which is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. The discussions centered on the two major topics of "The Future of China and the U.S. and the Role of Political Parties" and "Common Interests and Pragmatic Cooperation Between China and the U.S. in the Asia-Pacific Region."

These three cases show the flexible nature of exchanges between the CPC and parties from developed countries. During the events, both sides explained the current political and economic situations of their country and exchanged their opinions on issues of shared concern such as world peace and development, multi-polarization, globalization and the relationship between major countries. The communication was also candid about party and state governance, democracy, and human rights and sought reciprocal cooperation without hiding differences and disagreements, as a open and honest communication helps to enhance understanding, friendship, and cooperation.

The author is the Secretary-General of the Council of the China Center for Contemporary World Studies.