China Sees 2026 as 'Landmark Year' for US Ties

Foreign Minister Wang Yi says Beijing hopes for less fraught relationship with Washington.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the country hopes 2026 will be a 'landmark year' for its relationship with the United States, its biggest competitor. Wang struck a positive tone ahead of an expected summit between the leaders of the two countries later this month, saying the two heads of state have maintained good exchanges at the highest level and that Beijing is looking for a less fraught relationship.

Why it matters

The US-China relationship has been strained in recent years, especially since former President Trump launched a trade war with China. This statement from China's top diplomat suggests Beijing is seeking to improve ties with Washington, which could have significant implications for global politics and economics.

The details

Wang said the 'agenda for high-level exchanges is already on our table' and that 'what needs to be done now is for both sides to make thorough preparations for this, foster a suitable atmosphere, manage existing differences, and eliminate unnecessary distractions.' He also reiterated China's call for an immediate stop to military actions in Iran, issuing a thinly-veiled criticism of the US without naming it directly.

  • Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump later this month.

The players

Wang Yi

China's Foreign Minister who spoke about the country's hopes for its relationship with the US in 2026.

Donald Trump

The former US President who is expected to visit Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month.

Xi Jinping

The President of China who is expected to meet with former US President Donald Trump later this month.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The agenda for high-level exchanges is already on our table. What needs to be done now is for both sides to make thorough preparations for this, foster a suitable atmosphere, manage existing differences, and eliminate unnecessary distractions.”

— Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister

“Might does not equal right, and the world cannot revert to the law of the jungle.”

— Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister

What’s next

US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Beijing for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month, where the two leaders are expected to discuss ways to improve the US-China relationship.

The takeaway

China's overtures suggest it is seeking to improve its strained relationship with the US, its biggest competitor, in 2026. This could have significant implications for global politics and economics if the two countries are able to manage their differences and find common ground.