Editor's note: Zheng Junfeng is a CGTN anchor. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Li Chenggang, China‘s international trade representative and vice minister of commerce, said China and the United States have reached a "preliminary" consensus, but made it clear China opposes the US Section 301 investigation. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the US side said America does not want to "decouple" from China, but needs to bring "strategic industries" back home. The two sides are considering setting up a working mechanism to boost bilateral trade and investment.

Here are three things I see.

First, right before the talks, the US launched Section 301 probes against China citing so-called "overcapacity" and "forced labor". This approach of "talking while striking" and reflects the different views within the US on how to deal with China.

Second, with tensions in the Middle East, global energy and the economy face huge uncertainty. The fact that China and the US can sit down and talk sends a positive signal, and helps with stability.

Third, going forward, China-US ties will likely follow a path of "managing through friction." The upcoming state-level interactions will be the next key moment to watch.

China needs to focus on itself. The 15th Five-Year Plan, new quality productive forces, energy security, tech self-reliance, boosting domestic demand — these still depend on China's own efforts.

(Cover via VCG)