Xinhua: 'Constructive Strategic Stability' is the Most Important Consensus Between Xi and Trump

(Taipei, May 18, CNA) During US President Trump's visit to China, Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned that the two had agreed to build a 'constructive and strategically stable relationship' as a new positioning for Sino-US relations. Xinhua recently published two commentaries further elaborating on this, stating that it will provide strategic guidance for Sino-US relations for the next three years and beyond, and that it is the most important political consensus between the two heads of state. Donald Trump visited China from the 13th to the 15th and met with Xi Jinping, where Xi mentioned their agreement to build a 'constructive and strategically stable relationship.' On the 14th, Xinhua published a commentary titled 'Anchoring the New Positioning of Sino-US Relations, Jointly Writing the Answer for the Era,' stating that the 'constructive and strategically stable relationship' will provide strategic guidance for the next three years and beyond. Xi Jinping profoundly explained the core meaning of 'constructive strategic stability' from four dimensions: 'active stability centered on cooperation,' 'benign stability with moderate competition,' 'normal stability with controllable differences,' and 'lasting stability with foreseeable peace.' The article declared, 'The Taiwan issue is the core of China's core interests, and the foundation of the political foundation of Sino-US relations.' During his talks with Trump, Xi allegedly stated, 'The great significance of the Taiwan issue to Sino-US relations is such that if it is handled well, the overall stability of the relationship can be maintained. If not handled well, the two countries will collide or even conflict, pushing the entire Sino-US relationship into a very dangerous situation.' The article claims that maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common denominator for both China and the US, and that the US side 'must handle the 'Taiwan issue' with extreme caution,' abide by the one-China principle and the three Sino-US joint communiqués, adhere to the commitments made by previous US administrations on the 'Taiwan issue,' and truly implement the commitment not to support Taiwan independence. On the 17th, Xinhua followed up with a commentary titled 'Establishing Correct Strategic Cognition—On Grasping the New Positioning of Sino-US Relations,' which referred to the agreement between the two heads of state to build a 'constructive and strategically stable relationship' as the 'most important political consensus.' The article said that active stability centered on cooperation means continuously enhancing the resilience of Sino-US relations through communication and cooperation; benign stability with moderate competition means not engaging in a zero-sum game of you win, I lose; normal stability with controllable differences means not fluctuating like a roller coaster, and both sides should maintain policy continuity and stability, especially by keeping promises; lasting stability with foreseeable peace means no conflicts, confrontations, or even wars should occur. The article declares that achieving the 'great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation' and 'making America great again' can be perfectly parallel and mutually reinforcing. By viewing and grasping Sino-US relations with a broader perspective and a longer-term vision, the two countries will surely be able to jointly forge a path for major powers to interact correctly in the new era.