People's Daily: Steer the giant ship of US-China relations on the right course forward

People's Daily: China-U.S. Summit Holds Great Significance for Both Countries and the World

"Steering the Giant Ship of China-U.S. Relations Steadily Along the Right Course" (First Glimpse)

By Cheng Long, Staff Reporter People's Daily (September 24, 2026, Page 02)

Editor's Note

The tides of the era surge forward; the pace of national rejuvenation is steadfast. Where the leader's footsteps lead, there the national sentiment and public will follow. The scene of political news is the first window into observing China.

"First Glimpse" sets out from here. Arriving at the scene at the earliest moment to capture a historic instant; focusing from a first-person perspective to observe and capture moving details; delving deeply into the first agenda to study and comprehend the power of thought.

A single leaf heralds the autumn. The "First Glimpse" column joins our readers in experiencing the demeanor and vision of the people's leader, understanding the wisdom and responsibility of governance, and feeling the warmth and pulse of a great nation's progress.

From a historic meeting in early summer in Beijing to a new voyage of major-country diplomacy in golden autumn, interactions across the Pacific have always captured the world's attention.

"Let 2026 be a historic and landmark year that builds on the past and opens a new chapter for China-U.S. relations." Looking back on the path traveled and gazing toward the future, President Xi Jinping's proposition is rich with profound meaning.

A Journey Through History

The annals of history record the trials and tribulations of major-country interactions and bear witness to the ways two nations coexist.

"Fifty-five years ago, China and the United States launched 'ping-pong diplomacy,' which pushed open the door that had been frozen for more than 20 years, becoming a major event in the history of contemporary international relations. Since then, China and the U.S. have continued to write stories of friendship through many tales of openness and cooperation."

Following President Xi's words, we trace the vast river of China-U.S. relations:

• April 1971: A 15-member U.S. table tennis delegation made a historic visit to China at the invitation of the Chinese side. The "ping-pong diplomacy" opened the door for friendly exchanges between the two peoples.
• "A small ball moved the big ball," setting the stage for a historic transformation in China-U.S. relations.
• 1972: The two major powers shook hands across the Pacific for the first time.
• 1979: Bilateral relations were formally established.

Over more than half a century of weathering storms, the relationship has seen countless moments of "mountains heavy and waters dark" and times when "willows bloom and flowers brighten."

At a Critical Juncture

Changes in the international landscape, shifts in the balance of power, and evolving perceptions and understandings are interwoven. China-U.S. relations have arrived at another critical juncture.

From May 13 to 15, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump paid a state visit to China. Gazing into the distance in front of the Great Hall of the People, strolling and conversing under the towering ancient trees of Zhongnanhai... During this time, President Trump repeatedly used one word: respect.

"The peoples of our two countries harbor deep mutual respect." "I have great respect for President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people."

Coming from the depths of history, the two nations must now write a new chapter together.

The Three Questions on China-U.S. Relations

"With the once-in-a-century transformation accelerating and the international situation in turmoil, can China and the United States transcend the 'Thucydides Trap' and create a new paradigm for major-power relations? Can we join hands to address global challenges and inject more stability into the world? Can we, with the well-being of our two peoples and the future of humanity in mind, jointly create a bright future for bilateral relations?"

President Xi Jinping raised these three questions on China-U.S. relations, which are "questions of history, questions of the world, and questions of the people. They are also the answers of the era that major-country leaders must write together."

After more than two hours of in-depth talks, a key formulation quickly dominated headlines around the world: The two sides agreed to establish a "China-U.S. constructive strategic stability relationship" as the new positioning for bilateral ties, providing strategic guidance for the next three years and beyond.

What Is "Constructive Strategic Stability"?

"It should be a positive stability centered on cooperation, a benign stability with measured competition, a normal stability with manageable differences, and a lasting stability with a predictable peace," President Xi Jinping profoundly stated.

Seeking harmony without uniformity, and common ground while reserving differences—this new positioning for major-power relations is imbued with wisdom and demonstrates a sense of responsibility.

Advancing the development of a constructive strategic stability relationship between China and the U.S. serves the needs of both countries' development and the need for world peace and stability:

• China: In the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan, the 1.4 billion Chinese people, rooted in the profound foundation of over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, are striving unremittingly to build a modern socialist country in all respects and achieve national rejuvenation through the Chinese path to modernization.
• United States: As the U.S. marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, over 300 million Americans are revitalizing the spirit of patriotism, innovation, and pioneering, driving the nation toward a new journey of development.
• In the coming months, the two countries will respectively host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the G20 Leaders' Summit, bearing the important mission of promoting regional development and improving global economic governance.

A Shared Responsibility

Major powers embark on grand journeys; the times converge on shared aspirations.

China-U.S. relations carry the well-being of over 1.7 billion people in both countries and affect the interests of more than 8 billion people worldwide. As the most important bilateral relationship in the world today, it can only be managed well, not poorly.

In this pivotal year, the heads of state of the two countries personally charted the course for the giant ship of China-U.S. relations, sending an important signal to the world: Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand, complement each other, and benefit the world.

Time flows like a mighty river. History's lens has captured a crucial frame. The year 2026 is destined to leave a significant mark in the annals of China-U.S. relations.

Looking from this "historic and landmark year" toward the more distant future, President Xi Jinping's words are clear, firm, and guiding:

"We should jointly shoulder this historic responsibility and steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations steadily along the right course."