Beijing calls for stability as top officials host US senate delegation

WEB DESK: China’s top leadership has issued a fresh call for “stable and predictable” relations with Washington, following a series of high-level meetings in Beijing.

Premier Li Qiang, alongside other senior officials, hosted a US Senate delegation led by Senator Steve Daines on Wednesday, emphasizing that cooperation remains the only viable path for the world’s two largest economies, according to Business Recorder.

Cooperation over confrontation

During the exchange, Premier Li Qiang urged the United States to abandon “zero-sum” mentalities in favour of a more constructive economic partnership.

He expressed hope that Washington would work in the same direction as Beijing to foster dialogue rather than friction.

“It is hoped that the US side will work with China in the same direction, pursue dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation rather than confrontation and zero-sum competition,” Li stated.

He further noted that maintaining steady economic and trade ties is not merely a diplomatic preference but is “in line with the fundamental interests of both sides.”

The Premier’s remarks signal Beijing’s desire to lower the temperature on trade disputes that have frequently strained global markets.

Strengthening legislative ties

The visit, which comes amid a period of cautious re-engagement between the two powers, also saw the delegation meet with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

These discussions focused on the importance of legislative exchanges as a bedrock for broader diplomatic understanding.

Mr Zhao emphasized the role of the NPC in supporting state-to-state relations, while Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China’s stance on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

The meetings underscore an effort by Beijing to engage directly with US lawmakers, seeking to bypass some of the more hawkish rhetoric in Washington by highlighting the shared economic benefits of a functional bilateral relationship.