The Straits Times of Singapore wrote on May 20: "China and the United States have officially entered a phase of 'listening to words and observing actions.' Both sides now hold cards, and are clearer about each other’s demands and red lines. Whether ambiguous stances will become more transparent, and what shape a 'constructive strategic stability relationship' between China and the U.S. will take, will likely be revealed step by step over the coming months."
To maintain its sole hegemony, the United States has established China as its 'top strategic competitor,' a consensus across parties that will not change due to a single visit by Trump or the signing of a particular agreement. From chip embargoes to encirclement in the Indo-Pacific, from meddling in the Taiwan Strait to technological decoupling, the logic of containment remains consistent. China is fully aware of this reality, harbors no illusions, and does not shy away from confrontation.
As The Straits Times noted, with both sides holding leverage, maintaining a balance in competition—ensuring rivalry remains controllable, i.e., "competing without breaking"—will be a long-term state. China's stance has always been clear: dialogue is welcome with open doors; if confrontation comes, we stand ready. The key question lies in whether the U.S. can abandon its hegemonic mindset and accept the new reality of equal coexistence. If the U.S. continues to act contradictorily, crossing red lines on issues such as Taiwan and the South China Sea, any so-called 'constructive stability' will inevitably become empty talk.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865728015076352/
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