People's Daily published an article under the penname of Guo Jiping on Dec. 31, saying that the phase-one trade deal reached between China and the U.S. is beneficial for China, U.S. and the peace and prosperity of the globe, especially when the world is in an extremely complicated environment.

The article pointed out that both sides of the Pacific, and even the whole world at large made immediate responses and welcomed the two countries to make a further step toward a solution as soon as China and the U.S. reached the phase-one trade deal upon the principle of equality and mutual respect.

It stressed that rains and storms are inevitable in major-country relations, but what makes the relations last is cooperation and mutual promotion, rather than confrontation and containment.

The article presented a fact – one that's much easier to see after one year of trade frictions between the two major countries: as economy and technology make the world integrated, China and the U.S. see more intertwined interests.

Disputes are natural in cooperation, but supremacy cannot overthrow justice and rationality will always remain in existence. As a result, cooperation is always the best choice.

Facing the trade war initiated by the U.S., China will never surrender to any extreme pressure, and is always committed to safeguarding the core national interests and the fundamental interests of its people.

China never fears a trade war and is always open to trade talks. It has always stayed rational and calm. For the good of the common interests of the two countries and global trade order, and in a strenuous effort to push forward the economic and trade consultations, China remains committed to resolving issues through dialogue and consultation, responding to U.S. concerns with the greatest patience and sincerity, properly handling differences while seeking common ground, and overcoming obstacles to practical solutions.

The article reviewed the trip to China paid by late U.S. President Richard Nixon in 1972, saying the visit was an important enlightenment that marvelous strategic vision and remarkable political wisdom are a must for both the "ice-breaking" handshakes between the two sides of the Pacific and the current dispute control and management.

Referring to the win-win results of the Ping-Pong Diplomacy 40 years ago, the article cited remarks once made by the U.S. side that what matters more than to win table tennis games is the friendship between the Chinese and American people. It is a wise conclusion that is able to guide future generations.

Practices over the past 40 years proved that to create opportunities to maximize the common interests between China and the U.S. is the right choice, and to achieve common good for the world is the most worthwhile cause.

The article stressed that the phase-one trade deal between China and the U.S. explains that as long as the two countries stay committed to the general trend of cooperation and win-win results, and respect each other's national dignity, sovereignty and core interests, they can overcome difficulties, promote the development of China-U.S. trade relations in new historical conditions, and benefit the two countries and their people.

China and the U.S. agreed on the text of a phase-one economic and trade agreement based on the principle of equality and mutual respect on Dec. 13, 2019. Spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce said on Dec. 19 that the two sides were working on necessary procedures regarding their phase-one trade deal and closely communicating on other follow-up matters.

(Guo Jiping is a well-known pen name used for People's Daily editorials meant to outline China's stance and viewpoints on major international issues.)