In a sudden burst of high-level engagement, China and the US saw their defence chiefs and top diplomats hold back-to-back talks this week, as anticipation builds over a possible meeting between President Xi Jinping and US counterpart Donald Trump.
In a sharply worded statement on Wednesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced a phone call between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, coming just hours after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth held a video call with Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun – their first direct talks since taking office.
The readout said both sides considered the Wang-Rubio call “timely, necessary and fruitful”, stressing the need to “properly manage differences, explore practical cooperation and promote the stable development of China-US relations”.
Describing China and the US as “two giant ships”, Wang said that for the two countries to move forward smoothly, they must “unwaveringly adhere to the strategic guidance of the two heads of state” and “uncompromisingly implement the important consensus” reached by them.
Pete Hegseth (left) and Dong Jun held talks on Tuesday evening. Photos: handout
Xi and Trump held a 90-minute phone call in June, during which Xi welcomed Trump to visit China again.
Both leaders emphasised dialogue and cooperation as the best way to manage bilateral relations, with Xi urging the removal of “negative measures” against China and avoidance of disruptions, while Trump expressed optimism about achieving a trade deal.