Xi-Trump meeting signals 'cooperation' as key to China-U.S. ties

Editor's note: Wei Nanzhi, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the deputy director-general of the Bureau of International Cooperation at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

"In the face of winds, waves and challenges, we should stay the right course, navigate through the complex landscape, and ensure the steady sailing forward of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations," Chinese President Xi Jinping said during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Busan, the Republic of Korea, on Thursday.

This statement by President Xi fully reflects China's strategic resolve. Differences and friction between China and the U.S. are common and normal, yet they must be managed with a clear understanding to prevent the escalation of conflicts that could disrupt the broader picture. The "giant ship" of China-U.S. relations must not capsize.

Behind China's strategic calm lies the principle of "never challenging anyone, but focusing on doing our own work well." This means maintaining an independent and self-reliant path of development, concentrating on our own goals, and not being swayed by external disruptions.

China's economy is like an ocean, not a small pond. China has the confidence and strength to chart its own course. With its key position in the global supply chain and its growing influence, China is gradually gaining strategic initiative.

"China and the U.S. can absolutely achieve mutual success and prosper together." This phrase by Xi outlines a positive vision for the stable development of China-U.S. relations.

China's rejuvenation and U.S. President Donald Trump's goal of "Making America Great Again" are not mutually exclusive. In fact, cooperation serves the long-term interests of both nations far more than confrontation.

As the world's largest developing country and the largest developed country, the economic scale, developmental stages and institutional differences between China and the U.S. clearly demonstrate that cooperation benefits both, while confrontation harms both. Through shared development, China and the U.S. can achieve their respective goals.

Correspondingly, Trump has stated, "China is the United States' biggest partner."

From referring to China as a "competitor" in some contexts to calling it the "biggest partner" today, the underlying message is clear: China-U.S. relations are shifting from decoupling towards cooperation. This change in language and positioning reflects the U.S.'s tacit recognition that without coordination between China and the U.S., global challenges will remain unsolvable. There are still many difficult issues in today's world that require joint responsibility from both nations.

Although various changes may arise in the future, the dialogue window has reopened, and the space for cooperation is gradually expanding. China and the U.S. will explore and practice a healthy and positive way of coexisting on a pragmatic track.

(Cover via VCG)