China-bashing is a tradition for US presidential election candidates, and this year is no exception. Both Barack Obama and Mitt Romney opened fire on China during the first two election debates but adopted a milder tone in the final one.

The allegations made against China this time did not involve human rights and military issues, but only trade. Romney even said he will label China as a manipulator of the exchange rate on his first day in office if he wins the White House. We are eager to see if he keeps his word if elected.

China-bashing is a byproduct of US election politics. China has a trade surplus with the US and is an easy target for US politicians in the battle for votes. This is clearly illustrated by recent difficulties posed by the US for Chinese products and companies in the US market.

China’s rise is firstly a challenge and then an opportunity for the US. If the two nations can deepen their mutual trust and show more respect to each other, they will find they can cooperate rather than challenge each other.

The two candidates’ comments on China in the final debate obviously contradicted those made in the first two debates. Their abrupt change of approach demonstrates US politicians’ conflicting feelings on China.

Sino-US relations are the most important bilateral ties in the world. As the top two economies, both countries have important responsibilities in maintaining world stability, peace and development.

The US has many more common interests with China than differences. Only when US politicians realise the importance of mutual respect to Sino-US ties can the two nations really make a breakthrough in their relations. No matter who is elected, China-bashing should be consigned to history.

Translated from China Business News By Li Yang