Sino- US relations ushered into a new era

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump had their first meeting at the latter’s Mar- a- Lago resort on Thursday and Friday. China’s Foreign Ministry describes it as a “deep- going, friendly, longtime” session, which is also deemed by both sides as positive and fruitful. To the rest of the world, it serves as a paragon.

The meeting came at quite a pivotal time when the international political and economic order is undergoing a profound reform. Global and regional instability awaits effective solutions from major countries.

Both China and the US are at a critical turning point in their own development path. China has dramatically enhanced its national strength and position on the world stage through decades of efforts but is also confronted with increasingly grim challenges both at home and abroad.

Trump’s entrance into the White House has brought about not only unusual changes to the US’ domestic and foreign policy but also huge uncertainties to international relations.

More than ever before, the world is in need of Sino- US cooperation. And stable, peaceful bilateral relationship is crucial for the future of both countries. As Xi said, China and the US have 1,000 reasons to cooperate, and there is no reason for them not to engage in friendly collaboration.

Since Trump’s inauguration in January, Beijing and Washington have maintained close communications. That it took such a short time for Xi and Trump to meet with each other indicates how significant bilateral ties are to both countries.

The New York Times stated in an editorial ahead of Xi’s arrival, “Donald Trump’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart this week will be the most important diplomatic encoun- ter of his presidency so far. His two days of talks at Mar- a- Lago with President Xi Jinping will test whether the two men – Mr. Trump an unpredictable novice, Mr. Xi a tightly scripted, experienced leader – can begin to effectively manage the world’s most significant bilateral relationship.”

History has proven that the Beijing- Washington relations have stood severe tests thanks to concerted efforts on both sides. The meeting not only represents the significance of the partnership but also generated some crucial outcomes that could guide the bilateral ties in a new era.

In a series of talks, Xi and Trump shared their ideas on governance, deepened mutual understanding, established a good working relationship and also forged a lasting friendship. Such an amiable relationship is essential as it establishes future dialogue and cooperation on a foundation of mutual respect and sincerity.

Beijing and Washington have also set up four dialogue mechanisms in diplomatic security, economy, law enforcement and cyber security, society and culture. This is an improvement on their original communication mechanism. It separates security and economy, and upgrades the importance of law enforcement and cyber security, to better adapt to the actual development needs of both countries.

As the two major countries are largely responsible for global peace and stability, China and the US have ramped up communication and coordination on international and regional affairs including the North Korean nuclear issue. Throughout the meeting, they have developed better understanding of each other.

Regarding the harsh rhetoric toward China from the White House, Xi and Trump discussed their differences over a number of issues in a candid and pragmatic way during the meeting. Furthermore, they proposed a 100- day plan, showcasing their willingness to maintain beneficial economic and trade ties, and to make more effort to control divergences. This will help significantly lower the possibility of a trade war.

It is difficult to predict each other’s intentions and promote expectations toward one another amid uncertainties. At the meeting, both sides spared no effort in renewing their ties and achieved unexpected success. However, a meeting is no panacea to all conundrums. There will always be differences between the two countries. The most profound result of the meeting is the continuation of the common consensus in the China- US relationship for the next 45 to 50 years – cooperation is the right and only choice for the two countries.