BEIJING, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi said on Friday that what has happened shows that no obstacle is insurmountable for China and the United States, and the key lies in a true commitment to mutual respect, equality and seeking common ground while shelving differences.

He made the remarks in a signed article titled "Respect History, Look to the Future and Firmly Safeguard and Stabilize China-U.S. Relations," which was published Friday.

Yang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said that China's rapid development over the decades, which benefited from interactions and cooperation with countries around the world, has in turn provided the United States and other countries with sustained growth impetus and important opportunities.

"After establishment of diplomatic ties, and thanks to concerted efforts on both sides, China-U.S. relations have made historic progress despite ups and downs along the way," he said.

"Cooperation between China and the United States has always been conducted for mutual benefit," he said, adding the two countries have had productive cooperation in such areas as counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and narcotics control, among others.

The past 41 years has not all been smooth sailing for China-U.S. relations, Yang said, noting there have been ups and downs and even major setbacks on the way. "However, the two countries have always approached their relationship from a historical perspective and with the bigger picture in mind."

"The history of China-U.S. relations over the past 41 years teaches a lot," he said, adding that the valuable experiences have proved effective in the past and remain effective now and will continue to be effective in the future.