Navigating New Horizons: U.S.-China Relations at a Crossroads Amid Inauguration Transition

As the inauguration of the newly elected U.S. President approaches on January 20, the spotlight once again turns to the evolving U.S.-China relations, a central axis of global bilateral relationships that significantly impacts both nations' citizens and the broader international community. The imminent term offers both nations a renewed opportunity to manage differences, build trust, and expand cooperation, charting a path towards amicable coexistence and mutual growth, achievable through open dialogue.

Reflecting on the past, the U.S. and China have established over 20 communication and interaction frameworks over the years. These include recent meetings of the China-U.S. Economic and Financial Working Groups, which have facilitated significant progress in areas such as drug control, law enforcement, climate change, artificial intelligence, and youth exchange. The recent renewal of the China-U.S. Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement further paves the way for continued collaborative efforts between scientists from both countries in fields like climate research, earthquake monitoring, and public health.

However, despite these positive strides, several obstacles and challenges continue to impede the stable and healthy development of U.S.-China relations. Certain American political figures have persistently attempted to suppress China's growth, launching trade wars and technological conflicts, pushing for "decoupling" measures, and intrusively interfering with China's internal affairs, such as the Taiwan issue.

Recently, the Biden administration has introduced export control measures on semiconductors, intensifying restrictions on semiconductor manufacturing equipment and memory chips exported to China. Furthermore, the U.S. administration is contemplating a trade investigation into Chinese-made chips, possibly leading to tariffs, import bans, or other restrictions on products containing these chips—an indication of America's continued unwillingness to ease its pressure on China's high-tech advancements.

Yet, historical evidence consistently shows that cooperation between the U.S. and China benefits both parties, while confrontation is mutually destructive. Cooperation remains the only viable solution for bilateral relations. China remains committed to ensuring U.S.-China relations are stable, healthy, and sustainable. As Trump recently mentioned, "China and the U.S. can solve all the world's problems together." For this vision to materialize, the United States needs to avoid seeking a "new Cold War" and not engage in conflicts with China. China is dedicated to maintaining stable, healthy, and sustainable U.S.-China relations and hopes America reciprocates, working together to overcome challenges and benefit the world.