{"id":17292,"date":"2026-05-21T11:43:34","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T05:58:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=17292"},"modified":"2026-05-21T10:44:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T04:59:56","slug":"a-new-chapter-in-china-us-relations-some-illusions-and-realities-for-nepali-readers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eng.dragonmedia.com.np\/?p=17292","title":{"rendered":"A New Chapter in China-US Relations: Some Illusions and Realities for Nepali Readers<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"

# Pu Yu Hai<\/strong><\/p>\n

The relationship between China and the United States is one of the most complex and closely watched subjects in global politics. Every meeting, every agreement, and every disagreement between these two superpowers exerts a direct or indirect influence on the foreign policy, economy, and security strategies of countries stretching from Asia, Africa, and Latin America to Europe. Nepal is no exception to this. Yet, among Nepali readers and in certain political circles, a number of illusions regarding China-US relations remain widespread. These illusions have the potential to affect Nepal’s diplomatic understanding, its relations with its neighbours, and the character of its development partnerships. It is therefore necessary to analyse these illusions, placing at the centre the remarks delivered on May 18 by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun.<\/p>\n

At the regular press conference on May 18, spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to a question concerning the outcomes of US President Donald Trump’s visit to China. According to him, during President Trump’s visit to China, the two heads of state reached agreement on establishing a “China-US constructive and strategically stable relationship” as a new definition of bilateral ties. This is not mere diplomatic phraseology; it represents a commitment by both countries to advance their relationship on the basis of stability, mutual respect, and dialogue. Furthermore, both sides also agreed to formulate a framework for high-level exchanges, dialogue, and cooperation in the diplomatic, economic, and trade spheres, as well as to engage in in-depth exchanges of views on international and regional issues of common concern. Most importantly, spokesperson Guo made clear that China, together with the United States, is willing to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state in a “definite and complete” manner.<\/p>\n

The most widespread illusion among Nepali readers is that China and the United States are permanent enemies and that cooperation between them can never be possible. This illusion is partly rooted in the “Cold War 2.0” narrative constructed by the Western media. The reality is that while competition and differences exist between China and the United States, there is also a substantial history of cooperation and even greater potential for more. Trade between the two countries runs into hundreds of billions of dollars annually. The two nations have worked jointly on issues such as climate change, the fight against terrorism, global health crises, and nuclear non-proliferation. Even during Trump’s own first term, a trade agreement was reached between China and the United States. The current concept of a “strategically stable relationship” demonstrates that both sides wish to manage confrontation while expanding the scope of cooperation. China’s commitment to implementing the consensus in a “definite and complete” manner reflects both its seriousness and its sincerity.<\/p>\n

Some Nepali analysts believe that China uses its relationship with the United States to encircle India or to weaken Russia. This illusion reveals a failure to grasp the complexity of triangular diplomacy. The very foundation of China’s foreign policy is “peaceful development” and “friendship with all.” China has sought to resolve its border dispute with India through peaceful dialogue and is cooperating closely with both India and Russia in forums such as BRICS and the SCO. If China improves its relations with the United States, it will bring stability to the South Asian region, which is also beneficial for Nepal. Nepal ought to view the improving relations between China and the United States as an opportunity for its own development and balanced diplomacy, not as a strategy directed against anyone.<\/p>\n

Some critics hold the view that agreements reached between China and the United States are merely diplomatic displays and are never genuinely implemented. The root of this illusion also lies in the Western media’s bias against China. In reality, China has built a long and credible track record when it comes to fulfilling its diplomatic commitments. The commitments made when joining the World Trade Organization, the stance taken on the Paris Climate Agreement, and the implementation of hundreds of projects under the BRI all demonstrate consistency between China’s words and deeds. The expression “willing to implement in a definite and complete manner” used by spokesperson Guo reflects China’s clear resolve. Nepal itself can directly experience China’s implementation capacity in agreements such as the BRI, transit, and railway projects reached with China.<\/p>\n

This final illusion is the most dangerous. Nepal is situated geopolitically between two great powers. The relationship between China and the United States directly affects the balance of power in South Asia, investment flows, trade routes, and the security environment. If tensions between China and the United States rise, the impact is felt by countries like Nepal, whether in the form of investment uncertainty, trade disruptions, or diplomatic pressure. Conversely, if a stable and constructive relationship is maintained between the two countries, Nepal gains the opportunity to cooperate with both powers. Nepal’s interests are tied to both: infrastructure and connectivity with China, and technology and education with the United States. Nepal must focus on the opportunity for cooperation, not on the competition between these two powers.<\/p>\n

The remarks of the Chinese spokesperson on May 18 demonstrate the clarity, transparency, and commitment of China’s diplomacy. China’s expressed desire to build a “strategically stable relationship” with the United States and to implement the consensus in a “definite and complete” manner reflects China’s responsible role in global peace, stability, and development. It is essential that Nepali readers correctly understand these facts. China-US relations are not merely a bilateral matter between two countries; they also shape Nepal’s future. Therefore, an understanding based on facts rather than illusions is what truly serves Nepal’s interests.<\/p>\n

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