He said "the US does have a lot of problems - very big problems" but pointed to its military and financial strengths, as well as its leadership in scientific and cultural areas.
Cui said the development and evolution of the US is the result of combinations of various forces and factors such as the economy, politics, culture, population and natural conditions that often work in a spiral process, not a straight line.
"Our understanding of it should be comprehensive, dimensional, evolving and dialectical, rather than oversimplified, absolute, or even wishful thinking," he said.
Cui's remarks echoed those of some observers who have called for an objective assessment of China's geopolitical challenges and strengths.
The formula that
"the East is rising and the West is declining" has gained traction among government officials and state-controlled media.
However, Cui warned that "mistaking [the weaknesses of] others can often mislead oneself. This is something we need to be vigilant about".
He called on the graduates to make "arduous efforts" to
rejuvenate the nation and form proper and independent perspectives, instead of simply echoing other opinions and gossip.
"Modernisation does not equate to Westernisation or Americanisation. Their path cannot guide us to our goals," Cui said.