New positioning for US-China relations, People's Daily: Great power competition is not a zero-sum game
Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed building a 'constructive strategic stable relationship' with the US. A People's Daily commentary argues that great power competition should be a race of mutual growth, not a zero-sum game.
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- 📰 Published: May 16, 2026 at 11:56
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Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed building a 'constructive strategic stable relationship' between the US and China. A commentary in the People's Daily, under the pseudonym 'Zhong Sheng' (Voice of China), argues that great power competition is not a zero-sum game, but should be an athletic race of mutual growth where one cannot gain a competitive advantage by binding others' hands.
Following US President Donald Trump's visit to China, the People's Daily published this commentary to define the new positioning of US-China relations.
The article outlines 'constructive strategic stability' through four directions: 'positive stability focused on cooperation,' 'benign stability with controlled competition,' 'normal stability with manageable differences,' and 'durable stability with expected peace.'
1. 'Positive stability focused on cooperation': Over 47 years of diplomatic relations prove that cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation hurts both. As the world's two largest economies and permanent members of the UN Security Council, interests are deeply intertwined. Collaboration on issues like climate change and public health benefits both nations and the world.
2. 'Benign stability with controlled competition': Competition is inevitable but is not a boxing match where one wins and one loses; it should be an athletic race of mutual encouragement and improvement. There should be no double standards or artificial limitations.
3. 'Normal stability with manageable differences': Despite differences in history, culture, and social systems, mutual respect and coexistence can lead to transcending differences. Communication channels must be utilized to manage differences.
4. 'Durable stability with expected peace': 'The Taiwan issue is the most important issue in US-China relations.' Maintenance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common denominator. The US must handle the Taiwan issue cautiously, adhering to the 'One China principle' and the three US-China joint communiqués.
In conclusion, 2026 marks a new positioning, but 'positioning is not final, planning is not arrival.' The success of future bilateral relations depends on both sides acting together to implement the consensus reached by the leaders.
Following US President Donald Trump's visit to China, the People's Daily published this commentary to define the new positioning of US-China relations.
The article outlines 'constructive strategic stability' through four directions: 'positive stability focused on cooperation,' 'benign stability with controlled competition,' 'normal stability with manageable differences,' and 'durable stability with expected peace.'
1. 'Positive stability focused on cooperation': Over 47 years of diplomatic relations prove that cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation hurts both. As the world's two largest economies and permanent members of the UN Security Council, interests are deeply intertwined. Collaboration on issues like climate change and public health benefits both nations and the world.
2. 'Benign stability with controlled competition': Competition is inevitable but is not a boxing match where one wins and one loses; it should be an athletic race of mutual encouragement and improvement. There should be no double standards or artificial limitations.
3. 'Normal stability with manageable differences': Despite differences in history, culture, and social systems, mutual respect and coexistence can lead to transcending differences. Communication channels must be utilized to manage differences.
4. 'Durable stability with expected peace': 'The Taiwan issue is the most important issue in US-China relations.' Maintenance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common denominator. The US must handle the Taiwan issue cautiously, adhering to the 'One China principle' and the three US-China joint communiqués.
In conclusion, 2026 marks a new positioning, but 'positioning is not final, planning is not arrival.' The success of future bilateral relations depends on both sides acting together to implement the consensus reached by the leaders.