Communication key to unlocking better ties

The relationship between China and the United States is one of the most consequential bilateral dynamics in the world, making it imperative for both sides to maintain open lines of communication.

Multidimensional, in-depth, and high-level engagements can help both countries manage their differences and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, benefiting not only themselves but also the wider world.

It is therefore a welcome development that despite the tensions that have flared up between them, there has been a renewed momentum of high-level dialogue between the two countries in areas such as trade, diplomacy and defense recently. This communication is crucial for deepening understanding, managing differences, expanding cooperation, and enhancing mutual interests. It also helps create a positive atmosphere for their trade negotiations.

That a group of US lawmakers are visiting China — a rare occurrence for members of the US Congress — has therefore attracted significant attention. Led by Representative Adam Smith, a Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, this visit, which began Sunday, marks the first by members of the US House of Representatives to China since 2019.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the visit as an "ice-breaking journey" after his meeting with the US delegation on Tuesday, noting that the delegation represents the voices of both US political parties and reflects the American people's expectations for China-US relations.

By directly engaging with senior Chinese officials — the delegation has also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji, Vice-Premier He Lifeng and Defense Minister Dong Jun — the visiting US lawmakers can hopefully help promote extended communication between Washington and Beijing, which is essential for mitigating misunderstandings and fostering mutual respect and cooperation.

Notably, the visit follows the recent telephone talks between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, which set the tone and direction for the relations between the two countries. Following up on this irreplaceable heads-of-state diplomacy is essential to keeping China-US relations stabilized.

A key objective of the US congressional delegation's visit is to strengthen military communication, a goal supported by both sides.

Defense Minister Dong said, as two major countries with global influence, China and the US should uphold the bottom line of no conflict and no confrontation. In particular, he called for correcting strategic cognition in military strategy to prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations, thereby avoiding serious challenges to bilateral ties and global stability.

Tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait have increased in recent years, primarily due to the efforts of the US and its allies to contain China. The Pentagon should recognize that the Chinese People's Liberation Army, while resolved to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, seeks stable and positive military ties. Dong urged the US lawmakers to "eliminate interfering and restrictive factors and adopt constructive and pragmatic measures" to improve military-to-military relations and bilateral ties.

For bilateral ties to proceed smoothly, there must be a consensus that China and the US are partners, not rivals or enemies. The two nations are fully capable of helping each other succeed and prosper together for their own good and for the world.

During his meeting with the House of Representatives delegation, Foreign Minister Wang expressed the hope that the visit will help the US side understand China accurately.

He rightly urged the US to view China objectively, approach differences rationally, engage in friendly interactions, and actively explore new areas of cooperation so as to realize sustainable China-US relations that are stable and sound.

Doing so would be conducive to enabling the two countries to achieve mutual success and shared prosperity. For that, the US needs to work hand in hand with China in the same direction so as to achieve win-win outcomes. They should make joint efforts with mutual respect to empower each other to achieve success, becoming partners for common development.