Cherish the Achievements of China-U.S. Relations

There are no winners in strained China-U.S. trade relations. Decoupling spells disaster for both and inevitably harms the global economy

China and the U.S. account for over a third of global economic output and approximately a fifth of global trade. Photo: VCG

China-U.S. relations have shown signs of thawing recently. Following visits by U.S. Secretary of State Blinken, Treasury Secretary Yellen, and Commerce Secretary Raimondo, bipartisan delegations from the U.S. and California Governor Newsom have also made trips to China. During a meeting with Newsom, President Xi Jinping expressed that “progress in U.S.-China relations has not come easily and is something to be deeply cherished.” This sentiment, should be understood and reflected upon by all who monitor the bilateral relationship.

U.S.-China ties are facing their most challenging period in the 44 years since formal diplomatic recognition. Some may wonder, given the circumstances, what’s left to cherish? Quite the contrary, the tougher the situation, the more important it is to value past achievements. Such an appreciation lays a foundation and provides the motivation for creating new successes, leading to further easing in China-U.S. relations. For Chinese officials, the degree to which they value the achievements in the bilateral relationship serves as a litmus test for their alignment with the central government’s stance.