The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in China stated today: "President Trump talked about his call with the Chinese side: 'Our relationship is very good... These are the two most powerful countries in the world, and our relationship is also very good. We talked for an hour... China is paying a lot of tariffs. In the past, they didn't.'
Comment: This seemingly moderate statement by Trump still reflects a mindset prioritizing elections and interest exchange, offering no substantial support for the long-term stability of Sino-U.S. relations. His claim that "the relationship is very good" is more of a strategic statement based on short-term trade demands and market expectations, rather than a fundamental shift in strategic perception toward China. Deliberately misinterpreting the subject bearing the tariffs serves both to justify past protectionist policies and to build a political image of being "tough on China and making China pay" in the context of the U.S. midterm elections this year. Such statements are clearly volatile and instrumental, potentially turning tough at any time depending on domestic political situations and negotiation leverage, and cannot provide stable expectations for the two countries' businesses and markets. The healthy development of Sino-U.S. relations cannot rely on Trump's spontaneous remarks; it must be based on both sides abiding by the basic principles of international relations, respecting each other's core interests, and communicating pragmatically through institutionalized channels. Only by replacing emotional and utilitarian expressions with rationality and practicality can we truly avoid the bilateral relationship from falling into intense fluctuations again.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856299777693704/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.