原文发表于6月28日出版的环球时报
一年前的今天，我开始担任美国驻华大使。那一周也正赶上我们国家庆祝自己的生日。在我担任美国驻华大使的第一年，我对两件事情有了更深的认识：美国价值观的象征性力量以及关系的实用价值。
过去一年，我通过访问中国的14个省份，加深了与中国领导人和中国人民间的个人联系。在内蒙古，我参观了世界上最大的乳品厂之一，并与当地人聊起他们在蒙古草原上的传统生活方式。在上海，我见到了正在中国留学的美国学生，他们与中国学生交朋友，同时在为一个成功的职业生涯——在我们两国间开展业务——做准备。在云南，我参观了一座建于一百多年前的美丽的天主教大教堂。在北京这里，我们在讨论美中关系时与中国同事共进了无数盘烤鸭。
这些人中有许多是著名的国家领导人，包括习近平主席，我认识他已有三十多年了。其中一些人是小店主或中国工厂的工人。我在他们身上看到的全都是希望让自己国家变得更好的渴望，还有乐观的情绪，这让我想起了了不起的美国人。
特朗普总统与习主席很投缘，这样的关系正在帮助我们解决国际关系中自然产生的挑战。去年11月，当我与特朗普总统和习主席一起游览故宫时，就能明显感受到他们之间良好的个人关系。这样的关系通过定期的电话沟通和会面得以延续。
这些密切的关系已经带来了巨大的收益。我们已经共同努力着手解决北朝鲜的核项目，并就北朝鲜无核化的重要性取得完全一致。就在几周前，蓬佩奥国务卿到访，讨论了在新加坡取得的进展。我们就减少非法合成阿片类药物的贩运而进行的合作取得了进展。我们还期待共同努力，改善我们两国间的经济关系。
尽管我们有分歧，美中领导人每天仍在继续就这些问题努力，这一事实证明了这一双边关系的成熟性。
下周是7月4日，美国的生日。不同人的眼里有着不同的美国。对美国人来说，它是我们的家园。对于中国游客来说，它可以是商业、教育或探险之地。
在国外生活的这一年时光一直在提醒我，美国还是一个象征。自由和进步的象征。在我们国家诞生的那一刻，我们的创始人就在我们的独立宣言中写道：“我们认为这些真理是不言而喻的：人人被造平等，他们都被造物主赋予了某些不可剥夺的权利；其中包括生命、自由和追求幸福的权利。”正是为了这一理想，我们继续在国内外奋发努力。
美中关系有起有伏，我们将继续面临挑战。但我很乐观，我们将继续为了我们两国人民的福祉而共同努力。
By Terry Branstad Source: Global Times Published: 2018/6/27 23:23:40
It was one year ago today that I began my service as US Ambassador to China. It is also the week before which our nation celebrates its birth. In my first year as US Ambassador to China I have gained a greater appreciation of two things: the symbolic power of American values and the practical value of relationships.
In the past year I have deepened my personal connections with Chinese leaders and the Chinese people through visits to 14 Chinese provinces. In Inner Mongolia, I toured one of the world’s largest dairies and talked to locals about their traditional lifestyle in the Mongolian steppes. In Shanghai, I met with American students studying in China, making friends with Chinese students while preparing themselves for a successful career doing business between our two countries. In Yunnan, I visited a beautiful Catholic cathedral built over a hundred years ago. And here in Beijing I have shared countless plates of roast duck with Chinese counterparts as we discussed relations between the US and China. Many of these counterparts are well-known national leaders, including President Xi Jinping, whom I have known personally for over 30 years. Some of these counterparts are small shopkeepers or workers in China’s factories. What I see in all of them is a desire to better their country, and an optimism that reminds me of the good people of America.
The good personal chemistry between President Donald Trump and President Xi is helping us work through the challenges that naturally arise in international relations. As I toured the Forbidden City with President Trump and President Xi last November, the quality of their personal relationship was palpable. This relationship has continued through regular phone calls and meetings.
These close relationships have paid great dividends. We have worked together to address North Korea‘s nuclear program and are in complete agreement on the importance of North Korean denuclearization, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visiting just a few weeks ago to discuss the progress made in Singapore. We have seen progress in our collaboration to reduce trafficking in illicit synthetic opioids. We also look forward to working together to improve economic relations between our countries.
The fact that – despite our differences – American and Chinese leaders continue to engage every day on these issues is a testament to the maturity of this bilateral relationship.
Next week is July 4, a day that marks the birth of America. America means different things to different people. For Americans it is our home. For Chinese visitors it can be a place of business, education, or adventure.
Living abroad this year has reminded me that America is also a symbol. A symbol of freedom and progress. In the very moment our nation was born, our founders wrote in our Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” It is toward this ideal that we continue to strive at home and abroad.
The relationship between the US and China has had its ups and downs, and we will continue to confront challenges. But I am optimistic we will continue to work together for the good of both our peoples.
The author is US Ambassador to China. [email protected]
Original Article: http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1108661.shtml
