(CNN) — Former President Jimmy Carter called for greater cooperation between the U.S. and China ahead of President Xi Jinping’s visit this week, saying the two countries could play major roles in solving some of the world’s major conflicts.
“It has always been clear that in both countries there are potential political leaders who, for their own benefit, have blamed the other country for domestic problems and tried to exacerbate the inherent differences that always exist,” Carter wrote in a Huffington Post op-ed Tuesday.
The 39th president has visited China repeatedly in his humanitarian efforts since leaving office to meet with political and business leaders. Carter said the belief that China has not been a peaceful neighbor in Asia is rooted in fear about the country’s growing influence.
“Although many of my successors as president have made negative comments about relations with China during their campaigns, almost all of these have been moderated when they were elected to our nation’s top office. I am sure the same situation has existed in China,” he said.
Despite China’s growing economic influence, U.S. officials must avoid blocking the country’s emerging success, Carter said.
“The Chinese must understand that America would like to see a peaceful, prosperous, and free China and that we do not wish to undermine the rise of China,” he said. “Similarly, Americans need to understand that China differs from the Soviet Union that we faced in the Cold War.”
Partnering on solving issues related to the environment among others would set an example for other countries, according to Carter.
“With many conflicts raging and the global economy still fragile, now is the time for each nation to defend a global order conducive to peace and development,” he wrote. “The two presidents must use their meeting later this month to do more than simply agree to disagree on many issues.”
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