What did the China-U.S. presidents' phone call convey?

Editor's note: Anthony Moretti, a special commentator for CGTN, is an associate professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University in the U.S. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of either CGTN or Robert Morris University.

Chinese President Xi Jinping had a much-anticipated phone call with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Friday and the Chinese and Americans are looking at it very differently.

Not surprisingly, the U.S. media are enthralled by one element of that conversation: the likelihood of a long-sought agreement that would allow TikTok to remain available to U.S. audiences. Trump announced such a deal, although there remain lots of unanswered questions as to what the agreement would actually entail. Nevertheless, one U.S. media agency after another is carrying on as if TikTok was the only item discussed on September 19 between the presidents.

Keep in mind that for more than a year, the immediate future of TikTok in the U.S. has been the focus of hundreds of stories, editorials, cable television programs and, of course, posts on social media. As you might guess, sometimes there is sober analysis; at other times, rambling diatribes carry the day.

The Chinese media are offering a more detailed assessment of the conversation between Xi and Trump. For example, they accurately noted that the Chinese president had impressed upon Trump that the two nations had to continue to work toward mutual success and shared prosperity. Xi reiterated the long-held Chinese position that the bilateral relationship had to be constructed upon mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.

Such pronouncements are rarely discussed by the American media; perhaps there is fear that giving credibility to a Chinese position will anger the U.S. president or the corporations that control them.

Economics was also not the sole topic Friday. Xi thanked Americans for allying with China during the lengthy Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He said the respect Chinese have toward the "Flying Tigers," officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, remains resolute. Some of the pilots' descendants were in Beijing and attended the anniversary victory parade.

Sadly, it comes as no surprise that the U.S. media have nothing to say about China's success in the war. Western history suggests that without Western Europeans and the mighty U.S. military, World War II would have likely had a different ending. In such a narrative, there is no room to applaud the essential role the Chinese played in the fight against the Japanese, a tenacity that ensured Japan could not remove its forces from China even though they were desperately needed elsewhere.

While the Chinese media reviewed how the presidents discussed TikTok, the Chinese media cut the sensational headlines out. Instead, there is recognition that China respects what the company is seeking to do – remain available to its roughly 170 million American users – and China is relieved that the talks appear to align with market rules. The Chinese are also concerned that whatever decision is made passes muster with the laws and regulations.

See the difference? While there is no doubt that any TikTok deal will involve billions of dollars and complicated technological arrangements, it is not the sole issue for the Chinese. Talking heads, eager only to advance their position, detract from the need to critically assess what any TikTok agreement will entail. Nevertheless, in the U.S., bold headlines and tireless predictions are the norm.

There are a host of items that are relevant to the China-U.S. relationship, and many of those differences connect to the intentional decisions made by the current U.S. administration to walk away from longstanding international agreements.

In China, the focus remains on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. If the U.S. practices what it preaches when it comes to free trade, then Chinese companies will see opportunities to invest in the U.S. without ridiculous restrictions.

In short, when Chinese media suggest that the multi-topic conversation was "pragmatic, positive and constructive," they are providing a thorough analysis of what unfolded.

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