In a speech delivered in Hong Kong on Friday, Xie sought to ease tensions, stating that China has no intention of surpassing or replacing the United States. The speech, which was addressed to Chinese officials and the U.S. ambassador to China, marked a significant moment in efforts to reset U.S.-China relations.
As the U.S. gears up for Donald Trump’s potential return to the presidency in January, Beijing is looking to recalibrate its relationship with Washington. Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on Chinese imports exceeding 60%, but Chinese officials and businesses are hopeful that his protectionist policies will also alienate U.S. allies in Europe and Asia, potentially opening up opportunities for China to expand its global influence and improve trade relations.
On Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping also weighed in, calling for a rejection of unilateralism and protectionism in favor of economic globalization. His remarks echo China’s desire for a more cooperative international trade environment.
However, some analysts argue that China’s appeal as a counterbalance to a Trump-led United States is not as compelling as it was in 2016, when Trump was first elected. The shifting dynamics of international relations and changing U.S. domestic politics have complicated China’s efforts to position itself as a leader in global trade and diplomacy.
The ambassador stressed the importance of maintaining an open dialogue to address concerns on both sides. “It is entirely possible to bring issues to the table, communicate frankly, and seek solutions on equal footing,” Xie added.
One of the major points of contention between the U.S. and China remains Taiwan, which Xie described as the biggest “flashpoint” for potential conflict. China views Taiwan as part of its territory, despite Taiwan’s rejection of this claim and its democratic governance. Xie reiterated Beijing’s firm opposition to what it calls “separatists” in Taiwan, warning that this issue could lead to further tensions between the two nations.
