The signals are decidedly positive. Three signs of constructive engagement have emerged between China and the United States in quick succession. On November 9, according to a report by Lianhe Zaobao from Singapore, as U.S. President-elect Trump indicated his intention to attend the APEC summit, three positive developments unfolded within a single day. First, China’s Ministry of Transport announced it would continue suspending the special port fees imposed on American vessels, extending the suspension until January 10 of next year. Second, authorities announced that the 24% additional tariffs on U.S. goods would be suspended starting Tuesday afternoon (November 10), effective for two months, while retaining the existing 10% tariff rate.
Third, foreign media reports suggest China is expected to increase its purchases of U.S. soybeans ahead of the APEC meeting in Shenzhen. Clearly, these recent economic and trade-related signals from both sides indicate that despite the Republican Party’s setbacks in the midterm elections, the overall trajectory of Sino-U.S. relations remains stable. In fact, just prior to this, reports surfaced indicating that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Admiral John Papa, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, are scheduled to visit China.
The volume of proactive signals exchanged in such a short timeframe is notable. From China’s perspective, this reflects deliberate efforts to convey goodwill toward the United States. Since the onset of the trade dispute, the pattern has typically been that the U.S. initiates pressure tactics before major meetings, while China responds with calibrated, proportionate measures. This shift—proactively signaling openness before the summit—is not typical behavior.
The message is clear: China is demonstrating a willingness to engage in good faith, recognizing the importance of the upcoming face-to-face dialogue at the Shenzhen APEC summit. The aim is to foster a relaxed and rational atmosphere conducive to meaningful discussion. It also seeks to contribute to a broader environment of cooperation among APEC members. As host of this year’s APEC gathering, China hopes that major powers will take responsibility, communicate rationally, and help steer the broader Asia-Pacific region toward openness and collaboration, rather than being drawn into a climate of confrontation. Of course, international relations are inherently reciprocal—mutual respect and goodwill must be cultivated through mutual action.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881370879031308/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.