Xi-Trump summit in Beijing heralds start of constructive, stable relations
Through the meticulously planned welcome ceremony and Xi Jinping’s remarks, Beijing has emphasised the importance of stable bilateral ties to the world
This hopefully will define the bilateral relationship for the rest of Trump’s term. It is not simply the definition of a relationship between partners or rivals, however, but a realisation that the China-US relationship is so complex and consequential they need to keep it stable – not only for the sake of the two peoples, but also for the international community.
This will require the two sides to proactively manage the relationship. China realises there is bound to be competition and differences. But no rivalry should override the importance of an enduring stability between the two, given it is the base of the development of not only China and the US, but the whole world.
Beijing has stipulated one concrete red line for strategic stability – the issue of Taiwan, which it sees as a renegade province to be reunified with the mainland by force if necessary. The Chinese side has made it clear that if this issue is not handled well, it would destabilise ties and lead to conflict and confrontation.
As long as the two sides can keep their relationship stable, China is open to discussions on cooperation with the US in economic affairs, trade, fighting crime and other geopolitical issues.