China urges stronger US ties amid calls for mutual respect and dialogue

After years of frozen exchanges, China's leadership pushes for a reset with the USA. Can diplomacy bridge the gap between rivalry and partnership?

, and Administrator

2026 March 4 . 9:04 PM

1 min read

The image shows a graph on a white background with text that reads "U.S. Trade in Goods with... — The image shows a graph on a white background with text that reads "U.S. Trade in Goods with China". The graph displays the number of US trade in goods with China over a period of time, with the x-axis representing the years and the y-axis indicating the amount of trade. The graph is divided into two sections, one for imports and one for exports, and each section is further divided into different colors, indicating the different levels of trade between the two countries.

China urges stronger US ties amid calls for mutual respect and dialogue

China has called for stronger ties with the USA, urging mutual respect and cooperation. The comments came during a press conference held by the National People's Congress (NPC) ahead of its annual session in Beijing. Officials stressed the importance of dialogue between the two nations, despite recent tensions and a lack of high-level exchanges in recent years.

A reporter raised questions about the future of China-USA relations, pointing to recent developments in Iran and President Trump's expected visit. In response, Chinese officials reaffirmed their view that both nations benefit from partnership rather than confrontation. They described the two countries as natural partners, with shared opportunities for prosperity and success.

The NPC highlighted that no official delegations had visited between the Chinese and USA legislatures since 2018. COVID-19 restrictions and strained relations contributed to this pause, with no exchanges recorded between 2024 and 2026. However, last year, the NPC maintained some contact, including sending a youth delegation to the USA.

China's leadership emphasised the need for respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. They also noted that head-of-state diplomacy remains crucial in shaping the relationship. While open to expanding communication, officials made clear that China would continue to protect its own interests.

The NPC expressed readiness to resume contact and exchanges with the USA Congress. Both sides were encouraged to view each other objectively and work towards strengthening bilateral ties. Cooperation, rather than conflict, was framed as the only viable path forward.