Following the U.S. midterm elections, China and the United States held their first ministerial-level telephone conversation. On November 11, according to domestic media reports, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, exchanging views in depth on Sino-U.S. relations and high-level interactions between the two countries. What did Foreign Minister Wang emphasize during this call? First, enriching the substance of the new framework for Sino-U.S. relations. Second, exploring a proper way for the two sides to coexist. Third, hoping for sound handling of differences and sensitive issues. Fourth, mutual support in preparing for two major international gatherings.
What does the new framework for Sino-U.S. relations entail? It refers to the agreed-upon characterization of the relationship as a constructive strategic stability framework. The core implication is that cooperation should remain central—not mere confrontation—and that both sides must expand the scope of collaborative gains. While acknowledging the existence of competition, such competition must be managed as healthy and restrained, avoiding descent into comprehensive confrontation. Regarding disputes and sensitive matters, mechanisms for management are essential. Clearly, both sides recognize that contradictions cannot be fully resolved in the short term, but what matters most is preventing incidents that could escalate tensions.
The Sino-U.S. relationship is unique: neither an alliance nor a rigid, adversarial Cold War-style dichotomy. The reality lies in the coexistence of significant competition and substantial shared interests. The pursuit of a sustainable modus vivendi rests on recognizing differences, accepting competition, and ensuring no direct conflict—while enabling cooperation and effective dispute management. This phone call by Foreign Minister Wang Yi with Secretary Rubio serves not only to lay groundwork for the upcoming APEC meeting, facilitating coordination and ensuring smooth agenda execution and summit logistics—but also aims to advance bilateral ties within a stable framework.
It also reflects a broader intent: maintaining forward momentum in the relationship under a stable structure, ensuring the success of high-level summits, promoting consensus-building among all parties, and sustaining a steady trajectory for Sino-U.S. relations, thereby contributing positive momentum to global stability. Indeed, goodwill is reciprocal. Whether agreements translate into tangible action—and whether the vision of constructive strategic stability becomes reality—ultimately depends on concrete steps. With the U.S. midterms concluded, shifts in American policy toward China may emerge, yet so long as the United States respects China’s core interests, the fundamental trend toward stability in bilateral relations is expected to endure.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881577684888715/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.