Beijing is looking forward to a “landmark year” in its relations with the U.S., setting a positive tone ahead of a potential summit between the two nations’ leaders later this month.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed the potential for a significant year in China-U.S. relations during a press briefing on Sunday, on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress, reported the South China Morning Post.
Wang Yi stressed that despite differences, China and the U.S. have maintained strong top-level communication, which ensures a stable bilateral relationship.
When asked if the U.S. attack on Iran might impact President Donald Trump‘s trip, Wang Yi avoided a direct answer, instead calling 2026 a “big year for China–U.S. relations” and noting that the agenda for high-level talks is already set.
He noted that both sides should prepare carefully, manage differences, and avoid “unnecessary distractions.”
Both the nations should “make 2026 a landmark year of sound, steady and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations,” said the foreign minister.
US-China Eyeing A Trade Reset?
Wang Yi’s remarks come ahead of Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled towards the end of March, marking the first visit to China by a U.S leader in nine years. Reports suggested that the U.S. has suspended key tech restrictions on Beijing, as a strategic decision ahead of the summit.
The potential Trump-Xi meeting also comes at a time when the U.S. is seeking to balance its trade relations. Last week, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated that the U.S. won’t be repeating the same mistakes while trading with India that it did with China 20 years back.
Beijing’s Growing Economic Woes
On the other hand, China is facing its own economic challenges. The country has set its lowest economic growth target since the 1990s, while flagging exceptionally “grave and complex” challenges.
The ongoing U.S.-Iran war is also adding to the woes of the world’s second-largest economy. Economist Mohamed El-Erian warns that China’s energy supply would come under growing strain as access to discounted Venezuelan and Iranian oil is curtailed.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by a Benzinga editor.
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