Strategic Guidance for a New Era
As the United States president begins a state visit to China this week, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng has emphasized that interactions between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump provide irreplaceable strategic guidance for bilateral relations. In an exclusive interview, Ambassador Xie expressed optimism that the summit in Beijing will chart the right course for the future development of China-US ties.
The relationship has seen significant efforts toward stability over the past year. The two leaders have maintained close communication through five phone calls, multiple letters, and a successful summit held in Busan, the Republic of Korea, which helped recalibrate the relationship toward overall stability. In an increasingly turbulent global environment, a constructive China-US relationship is seen as essential not only for the interests of both nations but also for the expectations of the international community.
Economic Cooperation and the Green Transition
Economic ties remain a central focus of the diplomatic agenda. Ambassador Xie called for the complete removal of unilateral tariffs and restrictive measures against the Chinese mainland, noting that trade wars produce no winners and harm global interests.
Addressing concerns regarding industrial overcapacity, the Ambassador described the allegation as untenable. He highlighted that China's flagship exports—including electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products—are high-quality goods essential for the global green transition. These products help bridge the gap between renewable energy supply and demand, contributing significantly to global decarbonization and emission reduction.
Peace, Security, and the AI Frontier
On the global stage, China continues to advocate for peace. Regarding the conflict in Iran, Ambassador Xie reiterated that Beijing has steadfastly stood on the side of peace and remains committed to promoting the cessation of hostilities. He dismissed claims of military support for Iran as fake news intended to sabotage high-level interactions, emphasizing that disruptions to the international energy market and supply chains would be a disaster for the world.
Turning to the future of technology, the Ambassador acknowledged that competition in artificial intelligence is natural given the leading positions of both countries. However, he proposed a "race to the top," where both nations balance development with security. He warned against the creation of a technological "iron curtain" or a Star Wars-style rivalry, urging the US to cooperate so that AI can become a ladder for human progress.
Strengthening People-to-People Ties
Beyond political and economic spheres, there is a growing momentum for cultural exchange. Ambassador Xie pointed to the "Becoming Chinese" trend from late last year and the "Chinamaxxing" phenomenon this year as evidence of an unstoppable desire for closer ties between the two peoples.
Recent data supports this shift in sentiment. A poll by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs indicates that 53% of Americans favor friendly cooperation and engagement with China. Furthermore, a Pew Research Center survey shows that positive opinions of China among Americans have nearly doubled since 2023. To sustain this momentum, the Ambassador called for the removal of bottlenecks in visa applications and border entry to facilitate a faster track for two-way engagement.
Reference(s):
Chinese ambassador: Xi-Trump summit to chart course for China-US ties
cgtn.com
