Representatives from the United States and China held extensive discussions in Beijing on Thursday aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional stability, days before Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet US President Donald Trump.
According to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, participants exchanged “candid, in-depth and constructive” views during the US-China Political Dialogue 2026, which focused on identifying ways to improve relations between the world’s two largest economies.
The discussions were held under the theme “U.S.-China Relations in the New Era: Exploring the Right Approach in a Changing Asia-Pacific and the World.”
Liu Haixing, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, emphasised the importance of maintaining stable and constructive relations between Beijing and Washington.
He said a “stable, sound and sustainable” relationship between China and the United States would not only benefit the people of both countries but also contribute significantly to peace and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific region and the wider world.
Liu urged both countries to uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation while seeking an appropriate framework for managing relations in a changing international environment.
He also called for efforts to strengthen the foundations of a constructive relationship based on strategic stability.
American representatives similarly stressed the importance of maintaining communication, expanding exchanges and pursuing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
They expressed support for the long-term development of stable bilateral relations, arguing that stronger cooperation between Washington and Beijing could contribute to economic growth and greater stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
The dialogue brought together representatives of US political parties, strategic policy organisations and the business community.
Chinese participants included officials from government agencies and local administrations, alongside representatives of think tanks, universities and civil society organisations.
The discussions took place ahead of an anticipated meeting between Trump and Xi during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19 in Shenzhen, southern China.
The upcoming visit is expected to mark Trump’s second trip to China in 2026.
The two leaders previously held summits in Beijing and Washington earlier this year, where they agreed to pursue a “constructive relationship of strategic stability based on respect, fairness and reciprocity.”
Thursday’s dialogue reflected efforts by both countries to maintain communication and strengthen cooperation ahead of the presidential meeting, against the backdrop of continuing strategic and economic competition between Washington and Beijing.