Obama believes "we have more to fear from a weakened, threatened China than a successful rising China". That is largely consistent with Obama's public statements, although US actions haven't always matched his words.

Obama expressed that climate change worries him profoundly. Clearly he sees the achievements made on that front as among his most important legacies, those include the bilateral agreements between China and the US, and the Paris climate deal in which the US and China played key roles.

All these show how important it is for the two nations to expand cooperation to tackle the common challenges facing the world.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at the National People's Congress news conference on Wednesday that the two countries have far more common interests than difference, a fact that many seem to overlook.

To tap the potential of their relationship, Obama should take the lead in his remaining 10 months in office and refrain from naming China as "threat" or "adversary" or "potential enemy", terms increasingly used by US officials, pundits and the news media when talking about China.

While false and nasty rhetoric is common in US politics, positive tones are critical in leading the public to have a better perception of the relationship between China and the US.

The US, however exceptional, should learn how to leave space and adapt to the rise of other countries, not just China, but also India and others.

If Obama does not leave such a strong and positive momentum behind as his legacy, he might be held liable for the two countries falling into the Thucydides Trap.

The author is deputy editor of China Daily USA. chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com