China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Releases Statement
On Friday (May 24), China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement indicating that Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu spoke with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Thursday. The two sides exchanged views on multiple important issues and agreed to continue maintaining communication mechanisms. Although the details were not disclosed, this move is seen by the outside world as a positive signal for stabilizing bilateral relations.
Comments from Eurasia Group
The Eurasia Group’s Director for China Affairs stated that this call demonstrates the effectiveness of the communication channels established during the high-level talks in Geneva. “Even though no significant breakthroughs have been made, Beijing at least now knows who the U.S. response window is, which is important.”
U.S. State Department Statement
The U.S. State Department also issued a similar statement, noting that both sides agreed that U.S.-China relations are extremely important and will continue to keep channels of dialogue open. This is also a follow-up development after the high-level talks held in Geneva, Switzerland, earlier this month.
Joint Statement from High-Level Talks
In that highly anticipated meeting, the two countries issued a rare joint statement announcing a temporary reduction in tariffs on each other’s goods and began to advance a broader trade agreement. This is the first joint statement since the one focusing on climate cooperation in November 2023. Nick Marro, Chief Economist for Asia at the Economist Intelligence Unit, pointed out that this demonstrates both sides’ intention to stabilize relations and maintain necessary contact and cooperation.
Recent Discussions
Just days before the call, Ma Zhaoxu also met with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue. According to a briefing from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the meeting, Ma Zhaoxu expressed conciliatory gestures, indicating Beijing’s desire to further coordinate trade policies with Washington. Perdue also stated on X that he had conveyed President Trump’s core priorities regarding U.S.-China relations, “I look forward to working with all sectors in China to deliver concrete results for the American people.”
President Trump’s Emphasis
Recently, President Trump emphasized that China should further open its market to the United States and also requested Beijing’s assistance in combating the illegal circulation of fentanyl. This issue has become another focal point in bilateral relations, and Ambassador Perdue has been tasked with promoting cooperation.
Ongoing Tensions in Technology
Although there has been a recent de-escalation regarding tariffs, tensions in the technology sector remain unresolved. The United States recently warned companies against using Chinese AI chips, including those from Huawei. In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized the U.S. for “unilateral bullying behavior” and emphasized that China would take resolute measures to safeguard its own interests.
China’s Willingness to Cooperate
However, China continues to actively demonstrate its willingness to cooperate with the United States. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, during a meeting with JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, pointed out that “substantial progress” has been made in U.S.-China economic and trade negotiations and reiterated that the Chinese market will remain open to U.S. businesses.
Future Prospects
Although there are still differences between the two countries on certain issues, recent interactions suggest that both the U.S. and China have at least reached a consensus on maintaining dialogue and reducing tensions, and are gradually taking action in this regard. Whether this positive interaction can be sustained and yield substantive results remains to be observed.
