The overture from Beijing signals China’s interest in a diplomatic reset with the Trump administration, which imposed the highest trade duties of its worldwide tariff regime on Chinese goods during a dispute that a temporary truce last October only partially addressed.
BEIJING — China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday that Beijing hopes 2026 will be a “landmark year” for its relationship with the United States, striking a conciliatory tone at an annual press briefing on the sidelines of China’s ceremonial legislature.
Wang, who spoke at the National People’s Congress session, said that although the two countries have many differences, President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping have “personally maintained good exchanges at the highest level,” providing a “strategic guarantee” for the bilateral relationship. Trump is expected to visit Beijing for a summit with Xi at the end of March, according to the Associated Press; Wang did not formally confirm the visit but signaled that Beijing is preparing for it.
“The agenda for high-level exchanges is already on our table,” Wang said. “What needs to be done now is for both sides to make thorough preparations for this, foster a suitable atmosphere, manage existing differences, and eliminate unnecessary distractions. China’s attitude has always been positive and open, and the key is for the U.S. side to meet us halfway.”
George Chen, a consultant at The Asia Group, said Wang’s annual briefing — which customarily sets the diplomatic tone for the year — signaled “a welcoming gesture from Beijing for Trump to come and visit.” Chen said “the Chinese side is prepared to talk” and that Beijing wants to make clear it is ready to host Trump.
Trade dispute unresolved
The two countries have been at loggerheads since Trump launched a trade war with China during his first term. During his second term, Trump imposed the highest trade duties of his worldwide tariff regime on Chinese goods, citing a large trade imbalance. Trump and Xi agreed to a temporary trade truce last October that paused the highest tariffs but did not resolve the deeper underlying disputes.
China positions itself as a multilateral anchor
Wang’s remarks also reflected a China that views itself as an ascendant actor positioned to fill diplomatic space vacated by the United States, which has withdrawn from multiple United Nations initiatives.
Beijing holds a permanent seat and veto power on the U.N. Security Council and has used that position to build international relationships. Wang defended China’s Global Governance Initiative — a security framework that Xi first unveiled in September 2025 — saying it would uphold the United Nations’ leading role.
“Although the U.N. is not perfect, without it the world would only be worse,” Wang said. “Bypassing the U.N. to set up alternative arrangements, going one’s own way, or cobbling together various small groupings will win no support and are not sustainable.”
Call to end military actions in Iran
Wang also called for an immediate halt to military actions in Iran.
“This is a war that shouldn’t have happened, and is one that doesn’t bring any benefit to anyone,” Wang said. Without naming the United States explicitly, he added: “Might does not equal right, and the world cannot revert to the law of the jungle.” He called on major powers to “play a constructive role” and return to the negotiations table to end the war.