The term means to seek points of agreement while maintaining difference of opinion. Scholars of the Warring States Period such as Hui Shi (370?-310? BC) and Zhuangzi (369？-286BC) believed that differences and antitheses between all things are relative, and that commonalities exist within differences. From a dialectical perspective, differences between all things are relative and there is always the possibility of one thing transforming into its opposite. The Confucian culture represented by Confucius (551-479 BC) stressed that in relations between people and between states, “harmony without uniformity” should be achieved through accommodation, provided that differences between the parties are recognized. The greatest possible consensus between all sides is ultimately reached by acknowledging the existence of differences or setting them aside. To achieve such consensus, people should recognize the diversity of cultures and values and not seek absolute unanimity or forced agreement; and they should look at problems as much as possible from the perspective of others. This approach subsequently became an important principle underlying China’s handling of foreign relations.

There are big commonalities and small differences, or small commonalities and big diferences between things, and these are known as the “minor commonality and difference." When things are totally identical or totally different, this is known as the “major commonality and difference.” (Zhuangzi)

A man of virtue pursues harmony but does not seek uniformity; a petty man seeks uniformity but does not pursue harmony. (The Analects)