TL/DR –
Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump hope to establish a relationship of “constructive strategic stability” according to a Chinese summary of recent talks. This concept was not mentioned in the U.S. summary, but it reportedly indicates both nations’ recognition of their competitive relationship and Beijing’s aim to define the boundaries. However, the phrase could allow China to claim any future U.S. actions it disagrees with as violations of this agreement, potentially including issues relating to Taiwan.
Beijing Seeks Stability in U.S.-China Relations
Beijing appears to aim for stability in U.S.-China relations throughout Trump’s term, provided no false moves are made on Taiwan, a sensitive issue in the relationship.
Trump and Xi tour Zhongnanhai Garden in Beijing today. – Evan Vucci / Getty Images
In Trump-Xi talks, they agreed to a “constructive strategic stability” relationship, as stated by a Chinese readout. Xi suggests this phrase should guide ties for the next three years and beyond. The U.S. readout did not mention the concept, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at it in an interview with NBC News.
In Beijing, Rubio emphasized that both sides agreed on strategic stability in their relationship. This agreement aims to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to broader conflict.
The new strategy acknowledges the U.S.-China relationship’s competitive nature. However, it might enable China to determine which type of competition is acceptable, according to Chinese affairs commentator Bill Bishop in his Sinocism newsletter.
“China seeks a strategic détente period. This concept could achieve that in terms favorable to them for the remaining of Trump’s second term,” Bishop said. Future U.S. actions, such as combating Chinese industrial overcapacity or tightening export controls, can be seen by Beijing as violations of the new ‘constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability.'”
Stability could also be threatened by disputes over Taiwan, a self-ruling democracy relying on the U.S. to resist China’s claims. During their talks, Xi warned Trump that mishandling the Taiwan issue could lead to clashes or even conflicts.
The term ‘constructive strategic stability’ appears to be China’s new label for the relationship over the next three years. “Whether the U.S. will also adopt it remains to be seen,” said Ambassador Daniel Kritenbrink. He added that this stability could be threatened if Taiwan’s situation is not managed well.
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