Xi-Trump summit marks ‘new era’ in China-US ties, says FM

China has described the recent summit between President Xi Jinping and United States President Donald Trump as a “historic turning point” in bilateral relations, saying both sides have agreed on a broad framework to stabilise ties, expand cooperation, and manage differences amid global uncertainty.

In a media briefing, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the Beijing summit marked a “new starting point” in China-US relations, with both leaders engaging in “open, thorough, constructive and strategic” discussions on issues ranging from bilateral cooperation to major international conflicts.

He said the two leaders reached “a number of important common understandings” and agreed to pursue a “constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability”, a concept intended to guide relations over the coming years.

Wang said the summit took place at a critical moment when both countries are undergoing significant internal development and the international system is facing rapid transformation.

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He added that China has entered a new phase of development under its 15th Five-Year Plan, focused on high-quality growth and modernisation, while the United States is marking the 250th anniversary of its independence. In this context, he said, the meeting between the two presidents carried “special historical significance”.

According to Wang, President Xi and President Trump held extensive discussions on governance, bilateral ties, and global and regional hotspots, sending what he described as a strong signal to the world that cooperation between the two major powers is both necessary and possible.

He said both leaders recognised that despite differences, China and the United States “can help each other succeed” and contribute jointly to global peace and development.

A key outcome of the summit, Wang said, was the agreement to promote a “constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability”, which he described as a guiding vision for the next phase of relations.

Explaining the concept in detail, Wang said the framework is built on four pillars: positive stability, healthy stability, constant stability, and lasting stability.

He said positive stability means cooperation should remain the dominant feature of the relationship, with both sides recognising deep economic interdependence. “Neither country can prosper without the other,” he said, adding that confrontation would be damaging for both sides and the wider world.

Healthy stability, he explained, requires that competition be kept within reasonable limits and not be turned into a zero-sum struggle. Instead, competition should be fair, rules-based and aimed at mutual improvement rather than containment.

Constant stability, according to Wang, means ensuring predictability in relations and avoiding sudden policy swings that could destabilise bilateral engagement. He stressed the importance of honouring commitments and maintaining policy consistency.

Lasting stability, he said, is based on peaceful coexistence, respect for each other’s core interests, and adherence to existing bilateral agreements, including the three China-US joint communiqués.

Wang stressed that the framework is not merely symbolic but intended to translate into concrete policy coordination and sustained diplomatic engagement.

The Chinese foreign minister said both leaders agreed to maintain close contact through regular meetings, telephone conversations, and written exchanges.

He said that since President Trump assumed office last year, the two presidents have already met twice, held five phone calls, and exchanged multiple letters, helping to stabilise relations despite periodic tensions.

Wang confirmed that President Xi will undertake a state visit to the United States later this year at the invitation of President Trump. Preparations for the visit, he said, will focus on ensuring productive outcomes and maintaining positive momentum.

He added that diplomatic and economic teams from both sides have been actively engaged in consultations, resolving practical issues and managing differences in order to maintain stability in trade and political relations.

According to Wang, the summit also reinvigorated exchanges between legislative bodies, subnational governments, businesses, academic institutions, and media organisations, adding “new dimensions” to bilateral engagement.

China’s President Xi Jinping (R) and US President Donald Trump shake hands as they attend a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, 2026. PHOTO:AFP

Both countries, he added, have agreed to support each other in hosting major international events, including the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Summit.

On economic relations, Wang said the two leaders held “in-depth discussions” and provided strategic direction for future cooperation.

He said both sides reaffirmed that China-US economic ties are mutually beneficial and that disputes should be resolved through equal-footed consultation rather than confrontation.

The economic and trade teams, he said, had already produced “generally balanced and positive outcomes,” including continued implementation of earlier consensus agreements, establishment of new trade and investment boards, and efforts to address market access concerns, particularly in agriculture.

He also said that progress has been made in discussions on expanding two-way trade and moving toward reciprocal tariff adjustments.

Wang said further technical consultations are underway to finalise details and ensure the timely implementation of agreed measures.

The briefing also covered discussions on major international and regional conflicts, including the Middle East crisis and the war in Ukraine.

On the Middle East, Wang reiterated China’s position that force cannot resolve disputes and that dialogue remains the only viable solution. He stressed the importance of maintaining ceasefires and reopening key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, calling for renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve a comprehensive and lasting peace.

He said China continues to support negotiations between relevant parties, including Iran and the United States, particularly on nuclear-related issues, and will remain actively engaged in peace initiatives in the region.

On Ukraine, Wang said both Beijing and Washington share the goal of ending the conflict and have supported peace talks through different channels. He acknowledged the complexity of the crisis, warning that progress toward peace will require sustained dialogue and patience.

A significant portion of the briefing focused on Taiwan, which Wang described as “the most important and sensitive issue” in China-US relations.

He reiterated China’s position that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory and that reunification is a historical mission of the Chinese state. He said the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair and warned that any support for “Taiwan independence” would seriously undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Wang urged the United States to fully adhere to the one-China principle and the three joint communiqués that form the foundation of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He added that both sides recognise the importance of maintaining cross-strait peace and avoiding actions that could escalate tensions.

Highlighting the importance of cultural and educational ties, Wang said both leaders placed strong emphasis on expanding people-to-people exchanges as a foundation for long-term stability in bilateral relations.

He recalled historical milestones such as “Ping-Pong diplomacy,” which helped restore relations between the two countries more than five decades ago, and described it as a reminder of the potential for grassroots engagement to transform diplomatic ties.

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A key announcement from President Xi during the summit was an initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans to China over the next five years for study and exchange programs. Wang said the initiative has been widely welcomed and is already generating strong interest.

He added that US leaders have expressed openness to Chinese students studying in the United States, calling such exchanges essential for fostering mutual understanding.

During the visit, both leaders jointly toured the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, an event Wang said symbolised cultural appreciation and the importance of harmony between civilisations.

He added that business engagement was also a major feature of the visit, with several US business leaders accompanying President Trump and meeting Chinese officials. Chinese leaders, including Premier Li Qiang, held separate meetings with the delegation, encouraging continued investment and cooperation.

Foreign Minister Wang said the summit reflected a shared understanding that China-US relations are not only critical for both nations but also for global stability, affecting the interests of more than eight billion people worldwide.

He said China is ready to work with the United States to implement the understandings reached by the two presidents and to build a relationship based on strategic stability, mutual respect, and long-term cooperation.

“China-US relations concern the well-being of the peoples of both countries and the future of the world,” Wang said, adding that both sides must adopt a broader and longer-term perspective to ensure that competition does not override cooperation.

He expressed confidence that, if properly managed, the relationship could enter a more stable and constructive phase, contributing positively to global peace, development, and prosperity.