Why 'constructive' strategic stability is key to new China-US ties

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 US. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of either CGTN or Robert Morris University.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has identified an important path forward for China-US relations. He made his remarks during his initial meeting with US President Donald Trump, which took place on Thursday during Trump's state visit to Beijing.

Xi called for "a new vision of building a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability," and added that the plan was not a mere slogan, but instead was substantial and meaningful. In his words, it would require "positive stability with cooperation as the mainstay, healthy stability with competition within proper limits, constant stability with manageable differences and lasting stability with expected peace."

How can the two nations demonstrate the "constructive" part of that goal? First, dialogue, at the presidential and lower levels, must remain constant. Of course, whenever presidents Xi and Trump talk, whether face-to-face or via phone, international headlines are guaranteed. They set the agenda, and, therefore, it will be imperative that their various secretaries/ministers advance that agenda.

A solid example of such lower-level meetings can be seen through the series of trade talks that has taken place over the past year or so. The international community understands that the divisions between China and the US on this issue are deep, but it also breathes easier when it sees legitimate attempts being made to overcome them.

Let's not forget that constant dialogue can extend all the way down to people-to-people exchanges. According to reports, the initiative proposed by Xi in 2023 to invite 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs over the next five years has been effectively implemented. Imagine the positive news that would flow if Trump made a pledge that all Chinese students who entered the US would be guaranteed the same hospitable treatment shown to the young Americans who have been to China.

Viewed in another way, dialogue and interaction, no matter the level at which it happens, is essential to a constructive relationship both now and in the future.

Second, achieving successes in areas where cooperation is possible sets the foundation for tackling more vexing issues. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one example. World leaders agree that the reckless and irresponsible use of AI can cripple the planet. Xi and Trump can position the international conversation on this issue so that everyone understands that the peaceful use of AI is the only way forward. Indeed, AI is going to disrupt plenty of industries, and some current careers will be weakened as new ones are developed. But AI transforming professions and AI threatening the safety of any nation must not be conflated.

Other areas of cooperation are not hard to find: Ensuring that the world is prepared for the next pandemic, seeking solutions to food insecurity most notably in the developing world, and fostering peace in the Middle East and elsewhere around the world are just three examples. Achievements in these issues will allow for the two sides to see each other as true partners in building optimism about the remaining years of this century. With such a mindset, the differences of opinion on other issues can more favorably be addressed; success builds trust.

Third, the inevitable differences that will develop must be dealt with diplomatically. On May 14, the world saw plenty of inspiring images – with the children that greeted the two presidents outside the Great Hall of the People – connected to the state visit. And the two presidents exchanged inspiring messages – perhaps most noteworthy was Trump saying that Xi was "a great leader" and adding that "it's an honor to be your friend" – before they began that aforementioned initial meeting. This mutual respect must remain.

Of course, nothing replaces head-of-state conversations. And typically in such situations, decorum will be followed. But lower-level meetings need to be conducted with the same fidelity to decorum. In other words, talking frankly does not mean talking rudely.

President Xi's suggestion for a new outline for China-US relations will be examined in both countries and around the world. As that examination unfolds, allies and foes will be watching, eager to see if the outline bears fruit. Adhering to constant and open dialogue while seeking to build trust through tackling areas of overlapping interest and always being respectful of each other sets the table for the "constructive" element of constructive strategic stability to be achieved.

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