China Sees ‘Stable Period’ for U.S. Ties After Xi-Trump Summit

A recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a period of "stability and control" in U.S.-China relations, as stated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. This assessment was made following Xi's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea. During the summit, Xi and Trump met in Busan for their first in-person meeting in six years, and the first since Trump's return to office after winning the November 2024 election against Kamala Harris and being inaugurated on January 20, 2025. Wang described the Xi-Trump talks as a positive development drawing global attention for their potential to reduce tensions between the world’s two largest economies[para. 1][para. 2].

During an in-depth discussion, President Xi emphasized that the two countries can achieve mutual benefit and common prosperity, highlighting the importance of partnership as a lesson from both history and current necessity. Trump stated that U.S.-China relations have "always been good" and expressed optimism that bilateral ties would improve further. Both leaders committed to maintaining regular communication. Trump shared plans to visit China early next year and invited Xi to visit the United States as well, indicating a willingness for high-level engagement to continue[para. 3].

They also agreed to enhance cooperation in trade and energy, instructing their economic teams to preserve and act upon previously achieved consensus. Xi asserted that trade should serve as a "ballast and propeller" for bilateral relations rather than as a source of friction, calling for avoidance of retaliatory actions and pushing for dialogue rooted in equality and mutual respect. The leaders expressed a shared desire to expand areas of cooperation and resolve disputes constructively[para. 4].

On the international stage, Xi and Trump agreed on the importance of positive global engagement. Xi suggested that both countries demonstrate responsibility as major powers by working together on significant global challenges. He noted China’s hosting of the APEC summit next year and the U.S. hosting the G-20 summit, calling for mutual support to ensure constructive outcomes for these major events[para. 5].

A key highlight of the APEC summit was China's announcement to host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen in November 2026, its third time as host. Wang Yi showcased Shenzhen’s transformation as a symbol of China's growth and reform. During the summit (Oct. 30–Nov. 1), Xi gave speeches urging fulfillment of APEC’s founding principles and advocated for inclusive, balanced globalization and a regional community. He detailed a "five commons" approach to foster multilateral trade, regional openness, resilient supply chains, digital and green commerce, and inclusive development[para. 6][para. 7].

Xi’s trip also featured significant diplomatic engagements, including a state visit to South Korea—the first in 11 years—where he and President Lee Jae-myung reaffirmed a strategic partnership, expedited free trade negotiations, and identified new collaboration areas such as AI, biopharmaceuticals, and green industries[para. 8]. With Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Xi helped to achieve a “comprehensive turnaround” in relations after seven years, agreeing to resume exchanges and manage trade disputes[para. 9]. In talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Xi urged adherence to the foundational political documents of their relationship, especially regarding Taiwan, while Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s positions as outlined in the 1972 communique[para. 10]. Xi’s dialogue with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul resulted in accelerated railway cooperation and expanded cultural exchanges for their 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties[para. 11]. Wang concluded that Xi’s trip reflected China’s broader diplomatic vision and its 15th Five-Year Plan, presenting new opportunities for global peace and development[para. 12].