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 and US President Donald Trump on Friday agreed to build a constructive relationship of strategic stability based on respect, fairness and reciprocity.  

Advancing China-US relations on the basis of respect, fairness and reciprocity marks important progress for bilateral ties. This is in sharp contrast to the remarks about "starting from a position of strength" made during the 2021 Alaska talks that were rooted in condescending hegemonic thinking, attempting to define bilateral interactions by a power hierarchy, and cast a confrontational tone over the talks from the outset.  

The principles of respect, fairness and reciprocity reject the logic of power politics, acknowledge the differences in the two countries' systems and national conditions, and hold that major nations, regardless of their relative strength, have the right to safeguard their core interests.  

Differences should be managed through equal dialogue, not one-sided pressure. Of course, progress in rhetoric does not automatically remove real-world obstacles. Structural divergences between China and the United States persist. Whether this new direction can bear fruit hinges on whether the United States can truly abandon its instinctive unilateralism and translate mutual respect and reciprocity into concrete actions. Only then can China-US relations steer clear of the reefs of confrontation and chart a steady course forward – a development that bears on the interests of both countries and global stability.

On the first day of his meeting with Trump, Xi stressed the wish to steer the giant ship of China-US relationship on a steady course toward the future. He said while China and the US working in harmony may not solve all of the world's problems, the absence of peaceful relations between them, however, will make it difficult to solve many of the world's challenges. The two countries are stronger together than apart, and the world will also reap the rewards.

The opportunities and benefits for the two countries are obvious and numerous if they maintain a cooperative attitude, not allowing competition to envelop the bilateral relationship.

Critical to this visit is highlighting – to each other and a global audience – that the two nations will work together to bring common goals closer to reality while also managing their differences responsibly. Significant conversations covering a host of areas – from AI to high-technology, tariffs to trade – continue to take place at the secretary/ministerial level. Now with the positive results on Thursday, these talks get an additional boost, with concrete deals expected.

People-to-people exchanges is one area of obvious cooperation. Xi announced that China would invite 100,000 young Americans for exchange and study programs over the next five years. There is perhaps no better demonstration of building bridges than bringing together the next generation of leaders, no matter the field in which they work.

The enthusiastic reactions of US students who have recently visited China will be echoed as subsequent groups make that journey. The potential for more direct flights between the two nations, which Xi indicated he welcomes, will boost people-to-people exchanges in a host of areas.

In addition to the welcoming attitude toward students, symbolizing the wish for wanting positive relations in the future, there was an equally welcoming attitude toward businesses. Xi reminded all those present at the White House that American companies that want to invest and operate in China will be shown an open hand of friendship.

AI governance is another critical front. As leading AI powers, China and the US carry a shared duty to ensure the technology serves humanity under human oversight; technological advancement and responsible regulation can proceed in tandem.

These practical areas of cooperation illustrate the core spirit of the visit, which carries far-reaching significance for China-US relations. By anchoring interactions in mutual respect, fairness and reciprocity, both sides have an opportunity to turn constructive rhetoric into tangible results. The shared understanding that peaceful China-US ties are indispensable to global problem-solving rejects outdated hegemonic thinking ill-suited to today's multipolar world.

Xi's statements demonstrate that China regards summits as more than symbolic rhetoric and strength. Now the ball is in Washington's court to reciprocate with actions that build a stable relationship – one in which cooperation is the mainstay while competition is kept within acceptable limits.  

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