Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to travel to the United States at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, marking a significant moment in China-US relations. This visit comes just months after Trump's trip to China in May, highlighting the importance of the relationship between the two global powers. The exchange of visits between the two heads of state within six months is of historic and milestone significance.
During their last meeting in May, the two heads of state agreed to build a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability. This consensus charts a clear course for bilateral ties at a time when the two major countries are seeking the right way to get along. The upcoming Xi-Trump summit provides both sides with a crucial opportunity to make 2026 a historic year that opens a new chapter in China-US relations.
Despite Washington's protectionist trade policy against China in recent years, economic and trade cooperation remains a major pillar for the development of the relationship between the world's top two economies. Over 7,000 Chinese enterprises operate in the United States, and US companies have established more than 84,000 enterprises in China. Two-way trade and investment have provided strong support for millions of jobs in the United States.
A survey conducted this year by the US-China Business Council found that 95 per cent of US respondents described their China operations as "somewhat to very important" to maintaining global competitiveness. The presence of prominent business leaders in Trump's delegation on his May trip to China spoke volumes about their eagerness to seize the opportunities created by China's development.
Differences and frictions are inevitable between two major economies, but they can be addressed through consultations on an equal footing. Since 2025, China and the United States have held multiple rounds of economic and trade talks, making progress in stabilising economic and trade relations through dialogue based on equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.
A more stable China-US relationship does not mean the absence of competition, but rather a healthy one where both sides learn from each other, pursue excellence together, and compete fairly in compliance with rules. Washington needs to join Beijing in adhering to the principle of respecting each other's core interests and major concerns, particularly the Taiwan question.
A stable China-US relationship also rests on strong ties between the two peoples, underscoring the need for stronger people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. In 2023, Xi proposed inviting 50,000 young Americans to China over five years for exchange and study, a target that has been reached this year ahead of schedule.
Key points
- The exchange of visits between the two heads of state within six months is of historic and milestone significance.
- Economic and trade cooperation remains a major pillar for the development of the relationship between the world's top two economies.
- A stable China-US relationship rests on strong ties between the two peoples, with a focus on stronger people-to-people exchanges.
