Learning more about China’s history, and the hardships and strenuous efforts its people have endured and made to get where they are, would help one understand what China’s goals and intentions and what the Chinese dream means for its people, according to Cui.

“Then it would not be difficult to understand that the Chinese people have every right to pursue a better life, but they will never do it at the expense of other nations,” Cui said.

The ambassador also said that the two largest economies need to stay open to each other and get more connected, as each has its own strengths and is complementary to the other.

“There may always be differences between us, but they should be addressed on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit,” he said. “The so-called ‘decoupling’ would be disastrous for both economies and the world economy at large.”

Cui said China will open its door wider to the US and look forward to more cooperation at various levels.

Noting that China-US friendship, deeply rooted in the people, has helped overcome twists and turns in the bilateral relations over the past four decades, Cui said the two governments should make greater efforts to encourage and facilitate stronger ties between students, teachers, scientists, artists, athletes and beyond.

“To try to incite and spread distrust and animosity between Chinese and Americans is simply going against the will of the people,” he said.

Carlos Gutierrez, former US Secretary of Commerce, said he agreed with Cui’s point on decoupling. “It’s almost impossible — we are so integrated that to think of a world where China is on its own, and the US is on its own — I can’t conceive that,” he said.

Gutierrez, now chair of the Albright Stonebridge Group, also said that trade disputes are bad for both sides, “So I would hope that we have reached the limit in terms of escalation, and that we can continue the dialogue to reach an agreement.”

Early on Wednesday, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he and other US officials will travel to Beijing next week for trade talks, following discussions that took place last month in Washington.

Carol Miller, who became a member of the US House of Representatives in January, said at the reception, “I’m very hopeful that most of our great countries come together and work things out. I think we have much to gain being friends and having good relationships.”

Miller, from energy state West Virginia, said she hopes trade continues to grow between China and the state, which boasts “wonderful coal and gas, oil and timber”.