China US Photo: VCG

Editor's Note: 

The state and trajectory of China-US ties, the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world, draw attention across the globe. Looking ahead to 2026, the international community continues to expect a stable and reliable relations between the two major countries. Against this backdrop, the Global Times launches a new series to engage with leading US experts and strategists. Through discussions on issues such as avoiding miscalculation and strengthening crisis management, the series explore pathways for both sides to meet each other halfway on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit which remains essential for a stable future for both countries and the world. This is the first instalment of the series.


The world expects a stable and responsible China-US relationship. Perhaps it is better to say that the world needs a stable and responsible China-US relationship. Following the recent phone call between the two countries' presidents, the time to enhance that relationship has arrived. That conversation provided the clearest evidence that there is a window of opportunity right now to strengthen the bilateral relationship, which will also benefit the global community. 

Let's consider just a few areas where the two sides can show progress. First, both sides should see the need to strengthen crisis management. A significant positive example of sustained effort is a recent successful meeting: The Chinese and US militaries held the second working group meeting and annual session of the China-US Military Maritime Consultative Agreement (MMCA) for 2025. Both sides agreed that the MMCA mechanism has helped frontline forces of the two militaries "interact more professionally and safely, reduce misunderstandings, avoid misjudgments, and manage risks." This shows operational-level dialogue is functional and productive. However,  viewed another way, ambiguity exists. That is risky because an unintentional and accidental action undertaken by either side could escalate and spin out of control if there is uncertainty as to how the "top brass" would respond to the other. No one would benefit from such a crisis.

Second, the US should ditch any decoupling strategies. Two priorities, neither of which is viable, have recently dominated the thinking of Washington's political leaders: The first is tariffs, and the second is decoupling, which Washington touts as a strategy to weaken China. Decoupling is an utterly ridiculous idea. Despite previous efforts to decouple from China, there is little evidence that the US re-shored production. In other words, the bombast emanating from Washington about being able to create everything the US needed or finding it solely through its allies was empty talk. That will remain the case in the future: The US needs China. Suffice to say that a trade war and decoupling would be an economic disaster for both countries, especially the US, and the globe. Right now, there is positive momentum for the US to acknowledge the necessity of Washington and Beijing finding ways to share critical minerals and other items.

Third, the two sides need to promote consensus building. Negotiating trade deals is not easy. Set the complexities aside and recognize that domestic pressures can influence decision-making, potentially causing any framework to fall apart. Yet the collaborative process is essential. When both sides work together with honesty and transparency, the needs of all parties can be met. Keep in mind that each time the US tries to change the metaphorical pieces on the chessboard, China remains resolute, noting that retaining the integrity of the global order is a paramount concern.

Related to this, China has reiterated many times that it will not sacrifice its developmental goals merely to get a deal across the finish line. Does the US have similar goals? Blunting the growth of China seems to be one. That is not a strategy; instead, it represents a convenient talking point. There has been intense media coverage around the world of the trade talks that have taken place in 2025. US media outlet CNBC stated that "detente remains fragile" between the countries. But any thaw in the relationship is good.

The above-mentioned items do not constitute a complete list. However, successes in these areas are strategically necessary. Consider for a moment how improved relations between the US and China - across multiple areas - would further open doors to identifying solutions for complex challenges such as food insecurity, pandemic disease prevention, cyberterrorism and more. 

As 2025 winds down, there is the opportunity to place goodwill first. We should all hope that the chance is taken and that it is successful.

The author is an associate professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Robert Morris University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn