Chinese President Xi Jinping is preparing for a state visit to Washington, where he will meet with US President Donald Trump. This visit marks a significant development in the bilateral relationship between the two nations, which has experienced turbulence in recent years. The meeting between the two leaders is expected to focus on establishing a constructive and stable relationship between China and the US. The visit is also seen as an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss key issues, including trade and security.
During his visit to Beijing in May, President Xi received President Trump and initiated their discussion with three key questions. He asked if China and the US can overcome their differences and create a new model of relations between major countries. He also inquired about their ability to work together to address global challenges and provide stability to the world. Furthermore, President Xi questioned whether they can build a bright future for their bilateral relations, benefiting the well-being of their peoples and the future of humanity.
The relationship between China and the US has experienced significant challenges in recent years, including trade disputes and technological restrictions. However, President Xi has consistently emphasized the need for both nations to find a way to work together. The Beijing summit provided a new impetus for this effort, with both leaders agreeing on a new vision to establish a constructive and stable relationship between China and the US. According to Da Wei, director of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, this consensus is significant, as it marks the first time in over a decade that both countries have agreed on how to define their relationship.
The diplomacy between the two leaders has been a crucial aspect of the bilateral relationship. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently stated that diplomacy between heads of state is the pillar of China-US relations. Since President Trump's re-election, President Xi has maintained contact with him through various means, including face-to-face meetings and phone calls. During the May visit, President Xi invited President Trump to Zhongnanhai, a private residence in Beijing, for a private meeting.
The interactions between President Xi and President Trump have become a hallmark of their meetings, providing a personal setting for them to discuss their countries and perspectives. These interactions date back to their first meeting in 2017, when President Xi presented President Trump with a Chinese calligraphy piece. The message conveyed a metaphor for the relationship that President Xi hoped to establish between the two nations. He emphasized that as leaders, they can rally those who share their goodwill and enthusiasm to advance China-US relations.
Economic and trade relations between China and the US must continue to serve as a "ballast" and driving force for their bilateral relationship, rather than an obstacle or point of friction. President Xi has often compared China-US relations to a giant ship, which requires ballast to maintain its course in turbulent waters. Following the surge in US tariffs in 2025, Beijing responded with countermeasures while continuing negotiations with Washington to manage their differences.
The dialogue between the two nations has continued, with their latest talks being described as frank, in-depth, and constructive. According to President Xi, there is no winner in a trade war, and decoupling and disrupting supply chains will not hinder China's development. He emphasized that building "high fences around a small courtyard" would lead to a dead end and divide the world. This message is also at the heart of President Xi's approach to the American business community, which he met with in Beijing in March 2024.
Key points
- The meeting between President Xi and President Trump is seen as an opportunity to establish a constructive and stable relationship between China and the US.
- The two leaders have agreed on a new vision to establish a stable relationship between China and the US, which will guide their bilateral relations for the next three years and beyond.
- Economic and trade relations between China and the US must continue to serve as a "ballast" and driving force for their bilateral relationship.
