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Chinese President Xi Jinping noted on Thursday that he and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump should guide the direction of bilateral ties and work together to accomplish more significant, practical and beneficial things. Xi made the remarks during his first face-to-face meeting with Trump in six years as he landed in Busan for the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, and a state visit to the Republic of Korea.
Xi-Trump direct interaction represents a focal moment for head-of-state diplomacy – an opportunity to recalibrate a relationship defined by strategic competition, yet stabilized by shared interests and the practical need for predictable governance. In an era when misunderstandings can escalate quickly into tensions, the value of direct, high-level dialogue cannot be overstated.
Head-of-state diplomacy has played an irreplaceable strategic role in recalibrating the direction of the China-U.S. relationship. The two leaders, as Xi noted in the meeting, should "stay the right course and ensure the steady sailing forward of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations."
Over the past few months, guided by important common understandings reached by top leaders, the two countries have held multiple rounds of consultations. From Geneva, London, Stockholm and Madrid to Kuala Lumpur, China and the U.S. have conducted in-depth and constructive discussions on Washington's Section 301 rules, reciprocal tariffs, fentanyl, export controls and other issues of mutual concern.
The talks have demonstrated a spirit of equality, respect and reciprocity, pushing China-U.S. economic and trade ties toward a healthy, stable and sustainable trajectory. This shows that to keep the Beijing-Washington relationship on the right course, it is essential to stay committed to the strategic leadership of the heads of state and to implement the important consensus between them.
Chinese President Xi Jinping shook hands with U.S. President Donald Trump as they met in Busan, the Republic of Korea, October 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Maintaining stable and growing China-U.S. economic and trade relations serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. China's development, as Xi noted, does not contradict the Trump-proposed vision of "Making America Great Again." China and the U.S. – as the world's two largest economies – share profound mutual interests in technology, finance, and regional security. Tariffs benefit no one.
However, certain anti-Beijing hawks in the White House have deviated from the correct path in their words and actions, destroying the hard-won achievements of the high-level interactions. In this context, the meeting between Xi and Trump can crystallize mutually acceptable boundaries.
Top leaders can articulate red lines – non-negotiable thresholds – and designate guardrails that guide day-to-day decisions across ministries and agencies. Even amid divergence, a shared, explicit articulation of expectations creates a window for stabilizing diplomacy.
It is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then, Xi said on Thursday.
Furthermore, as the world's most important and consequential bilateral relationship, the Beijing-Washington rapport carries significance for the global system that is facing intertwined challenges. Climate resilience, health security, rare-earths management, and critical minerals governance demand coordinated approaches that respect each nation's interests while pursuing joint gains.
High-level meetings characterized by open, high-level exchanges can yield guiding principles or governance frameworks for managing competition. Even when tangible breakthroughs are gradual, the commitment to high-level communication creates a durable platform for cooperation that filters down to practical projects.
Ahead of his meeting with Xi, Trump told CEOs at the APEC meeting that he believes that Washington is "going to have a deal" with Beijing and it will be "a good deal for both." To preserve the hard-won outcomes of China-U.S. economic and trade consultations, the two sides should move toward each other, implementing the important consensus reached by the two heads of state.
China has consistently upheld a responsible stance, insisting on resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation. Following discussions, China has been acting in accordance with the principles reached between the two sides, signaling its genuine commitment to upholding the outcomes of the high-level interactions.
It is hoped that Washington will collaborate with Beijing to fully convert the shared understandings reached by the two leaders into concrete policies and actions, ensuring that the giant ship of China-U.S. relations can steer clear of disturbances and set the right course as it sails forward.
