July 10^th, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang said in the fifth China-U.S. Strategic and Economic dialogue (S&ED), dialogue works better than confrontation, and debate better than fight. It has been proved that to maintain long-term dialogue between two big countries not only benefits the Chinese and American people, but also serves peace and the development of the world.

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As the special representative of Chinese president Xi Jinping, Wang made a speech at the opening session of the S&ED. He recalled last time he came to the United States was 10 years ago. He joked: "After ten years, the Americans are still taller than the Chinese and still have a stronger body and longer nose than the Chinese. Nothing much has changed."

Wang Yang said, over ten years, China-U.S. economic relationship has changed dramatically.

China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world. Since the S&ED began in 2009, it has served as an important platform for the two countries to enhance mutual trust, expand cooperation, and manage differences. The two sides have had close communication and discussions on issues of long-term strategic and overarching importance.

Wang Yang said, looking back to the world history, dialogue works better than confrontation, and debate better than fight. For example, before China and the United States established diplomatic ties, the two countries often criticized each other. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, particularly since China's accession to the WTO, the exchanges between China and the United States have become increasingly close, and we have carried out frequent dialogues. Although we still have a fair amount of argument, both of us had actually benefitted from such exchanges.

"I think dialogue and debate are important means that lead to creative ideas. When cornered by a rival in a debate, one often comes up with some quick wits." Wang said.

"Dialogue is an important way to advance the progress of human civilizations." He said. China needs to carry out dialogues with U.S. to find out a way in the globalization process.

Wang Yang stressed: "Of course we will never accept views that undermine our basic system or national interest. To us, a dialogue like that is unacceptable. This is our bottom line and we will never give up."

As for the two-day China-U.S. S&ED, Wang Yang said, this round of S&ED presents a new model of relationship that is based on non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect, and willing cooperation. The outcomes of the dialogue will further boost both sides' confidence in building a new major country relationship, and will write a new chapter in China-U.S. relationship.