Bright Prospects Amid Twists and Turns: Wang Yi’s Clear Message on China–U.S. Relations

Kathmandu — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stated that history does not move forward in a straight line but advances through twists and turns, and that the future of China–U.S. relations remains bright. He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ questions after delivering a speech at the “China in the World” session of the Munich Security Conference. Wang Yi is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

He noted that as the world’s two major powers, how China and the United States interact with each other will determine the fundamental direction of the international landscape. China, he said, has always viewed and managed its relations with the United States from a historical perspective and with a strong sense of responsibility toward its own people and the international community.

According to Wang Yi, Chinese President Xi Jinping has drawn on decades of experience and lessons from China–U.S. interactions and put forward the proposal that the two countries should respect each other, coexist peacefully, and pursue win-win cooperation. Through dialogue and consultation, the two major powers should jointly find the right way to coexist on this planet, he added.

Wang Yi emphasized that China will continue to follow this overall direction, as it aligns with the interests of the peoples of both countries and the shared interests of the international community. However, he stressed that whether this vision can be realized depends on the attitude of the United States.

He described it as a positive sign that U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed great respect for President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people. Trump has publicly stated that China and the United States can work together to address major global challenges and that the two leaders can advance the development of bilateral relations, Wang noted.

However, Wang also pointed out that there are still some forces within the United States that do not adopt an objective and rational view of China, but instead continue to pursue policies of containment and suppression, making accusations against China through various means.

According to Wang Yi, China–U.S. relations face two possible paths forward. The first is for the United States to develop an objective and rational understanding of China, adopt a positive and pragmatic policy, expand common interests, and move toward cooperation—an approach that would benefit both countries and the world. The second path involves decoupling supply chains from China, pursuing strategies of containment and confrontation, forming “small circles” and exclusive blocs targeting China, and even encouraging “Taiwan independence” or attempting to cross China’s red lines regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity—moves that would lead to conflict and confrontation, he warned.

Wang Yi made clear that China hopes for the first scenario but is also prepared to address various risks. Ultimately, he expressed confidence that the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation represent the only correct choice and will prevail.