The contradiction between China and the United States mainly lies in the specific inconvenience of the United States. The historical and practical factors involved are very complicated. Although the two sides reached an understanding in a short time and abandoned prejudice, it is almost impossible to win through cooperation. We can only say that we should open up some fields and cooperate in confrontation. Both sides can do good deeds of cooperation together, but there may be contradictions when their respective interests are involved. After all, the relationship between the two great powers is very complicated, and there is no absolute conflict or absolute cooperation. As Churchill said during World War II, there are no eternal friends in the world, only eternal interests, and that is the case between countries.
The idea of transcending the zero-sum game is actually simple to say and difficult to do. The so-called zero-sum game means that what I gain must be at the expense of your loss. For example, if I earn 100 yuan, you will lose 100 yuan. In reality, Sino-US relations are not like this. It is said that the other side suffers from our development, and the other side suffers from our development. It is entirely possible for both sides to achieve common development through win-win cooperation. Mutual progress will not harm each other's interests, nor will it harm ourselves.
The reason why there have been contradictions and conflicts involves historical issues, institutional issues, social and ideological historical issues, and the fundamental interests of both sides are different. For a long time, there are some areas where the two sides can cooperate and make greater progress, but obviously this relationship between the two sides is impossible to cooperate. It's like you and your neighbor are feuds, knowing that cooperation can make more money, but you don't cooperate because you can't let go of this face.