Frank dialogue vital to China-U.S. ties: former Mexican envoy

In China-U.S. ties, frank dialogue can diffuse or resolve any negative situation, especially when problems arise from a lack of mutual knowledge and understanding, according to a former Mexican diplomat.

In that sense, Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent state visit to the United States carried great significance, Sergio Ley, Mexico's ambassador to China from 2001 to 2006, told Xinhua.

He pointed out that some Americans are still unaware of the achievements China made over past decades.

"To the extent that they (the Americans) learn about this effort and the progress achieved by the Chinese people, there will be greater understanding between the two powers," said Ley, also head of the Asia-Pacific division of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology.

Xi's speech to the U.S. business community in Seattle, the first stop of his U.S. tour, served to strike a note of openness and conciliation as part of mutual cooperation and benefit, he said.

Also important was Xi's speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Ley said, during which the Chinese president pledged "a billion dollars to help establish mechanisms that can lead to lasting peace."

To meet the greater challenges facing the international community, such as terrorism, nuclear arms and climate change, Xi's proposal to build a "community of common destiny" can provide answers, according to the expert. Endi