Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum on April 20, 2026. Photo: WeChat account of the Chinese Embassy in the US

Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng on Monday called for restoring common sense and reason to economic, trade, and science and technology cooperation, stressing that China and the US should advocate fair competition and help each other succeed, instead of engaging in a zero-sum game.

The ambassador made the remarks in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 56th Annual WTCA Global Business Forum.

Xie said that while safeguarding national security is both legitimate and essential, the concept should not be overstretched or misused as a catch-all, according to a speech transcript published by the Chinese Embassy in the US on Wednesday.

“Even now, the Chinese side still cannot figure out why Chinese EVs have been singled out and accused to be ‘data collectors on wheels’; where the so-called ‘spy equipment’ is installed in Chinese cranes; and how Chinese garlic could ever possibly be classified as a ‘national security threat,’” the ambassador said.

This kind of paranoid illusion lacks basic common sense, and does not hold up against the facts, Xie noted, adding that it would only destabilize global industrial and supply chains, suffocate innovation, and ultimately serve no one’s good.

The ambassador emphasized that the yardstick of national security should be brought back to its proper measure. “What we need is fewer unfounded suspicions and accusations, and more rationality grounded in market rules and commercial logic. Only then can the vast potential of China-US cooperation be fully unleashed,” he added.

Regarding China-US economic and trade ties, Xie cited the healthy competition between Tesla and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) companies as an example, saying “it is only natural that China and the US have competition in areas such as economy and trade, and what matters more is how the two sides choose to compete.”

“Such a race [between Tesla and Chinese EV companies] to the top is mutually beneficial and win-win, and also serves the best interests of global consumers,” Xie added.

The ambassador said that this sets an example for competition between China and the US, which should be like competing for excellence in a racing field, not beating one another down in a wrestling ring. Moreover, the playing field should be level, and the rules should be observed.

He stressed that one should accept either outcome with grace, instead of applying double standards, extolling free trade when one is competitive, yet turning to fair trade when outcompeted.

“It also means one should not predetermine the result, accepting only scenarios in which they win, while denying others the right to outperform them. Still less should one resort to smearing, trapping, or tripping others up in order to undermine them,” Xie said.