It is no coincidence that the relationship between our countries has accompanied a period of positive change. China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty--an accomplishment unparalleled in human history--while playing a larger role in global events. And the United States has seen our economy grow. There is a Chinese proverb: 'Consider the past, and you shall know the future. ' Surely, we have known setbacks and challenges over the last 30 years. Our relationship has not been without disagreement and difficulty. But the notion that we must be adversaries is not predestined--not when we consider the past. Indeed, because of our cooperation, both the United States and China are more prosperous and more secure. We have seen what is possible when we build upon our mutual interests, and engage on the basis of mutual respect. And yet the success of that engagement depends upon understanding--on sustaining an open dialogue, and learning about one another and from one another. For just as that American table tennis player pointed out--we share much in common as human beings, but our countries are different in certain ways.