BEIJING — China has signaled a significant desire to stabilize its relationship with the United States, describing 2026 as a potential “landmark year” for bilateral ties. During a press conference on the sidelines of the National People’s Congress on March 8, 2026, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi struck a conciliatory tone, emphasizing that while the two global powers remain at odds on several fronts, maintaining high-level communication is essential for global security.
Wang Yi highlighted the importance of the ongoing dialogue between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump, noting that these interactions serve as a “strategic guarantee” for the relationship. With President Trump expected to visit Beijing for a summit scheduled for the end of March, Wang urged both sides to “make thorough preparations,” foster a constructive atmosphere, and manage existing differences to avoid unnecessary disruptions. He stressed that China is committed to an open, cooperative path, provided that the U.S. side is willing to “meet halfway” to resolve long-standing trade and geopolitical disputes.
The Foreign Minister also used the platform to reaffirm China’s commitment to the global order, strongly defending the role of the United Nations. He warned against attempts to weaken the U.N. or bypass it in favor of alternative, smaller groupings, arguing that such actions would be unsustainable and counterproductive to world stability. Wang insisted that, despite its imperfections, the U.N. remains the essential anchor for international governance.
Addressing the current regional crises, Wang Yi issued a firm call for an immediate end to military actions in Iran. While not explicitly naming the United States, he offered a sharp critique of the current escalation, stating that the conflict “should never have happened” and that it brings no benefit to any party involved. Warning against a return to the “law of the jungle,” he urged major world powers to play a constructive role by returning to the negotiating table to restore peace and security in the Middle East
