context: Following four rounds of phone calls between US President Donald Trump and PRC President Xi Jinping 习近平, as well as their meeting in Busan in 2025, relations between Washington and Beijing seem to have moved past their most volatile phase and entered a period of recalibration, with overall stability restored. Meanwhile, the ongoing war in Iran continues to influence the broader diplomatic and economic landscape, heightening the urgency for both sides to maintain stability in their relations.
Wang Yi 王毅 Foreign Minister spoke about the PRC–US relations at a press conference on the margins of the Two Sessions. Wang said
- the relationship between the PRC and the US is one of far-reaching and global implications
- turning our backs on each other would only lead to mutual misperception and miscalculation
- sliding into conflict or confrontation could drag the whole world down
- the PRC and the US are both big countries
- neither side can remodel the other
- we can choose how we want to engage
- to commit to a spirit of mutual respect
- to hold the bottom line of peaceful coexistence
- to strive for the prospect of win-win cooperation
- it is heartening to see that the presidents of the two countries have led by example
- they have provided an important strategic safeguard for the relationship to improve and move forward
- they have brought the relationship back on an even keel after the ups and downs
- this year is a 'big year' for the PRC–US relations
- the agenda of high-level exchanges is already on the table
- the two sides need to
- make thorough preparations accordingly
- create a suitable environment
- manage the existing risks
- remove unnecessary disruptions
- the PRC is always committed and open and it is critical that the US side works in the same direction
- the two sides will be able to
- lengthen the list of cooperation
- shorten the list of problems
- produce results that are satisfactory to both peoples
- achieve a consensus that is welcomed by the whole world
- make 2026 a landmark year of sound, steady and sustainable development of PRC–US relations