China Hopes 2026 Will Be 'Landmark Year' for US Ties

Beijing signals openness to improving relations with Washington ahead of expected leaders' summit

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the country hopes 2026 will be a 'landmark year' for its relationship with the United States, as the two sides prepare for an expected leaders' summit later this month. Wang struck a largely positive tone, saying the two heads of state have maintained good exchanges and that Beijing is prepared to talk and foster a suitable atmosphere for the upcoming meeting.

Why it matters

The minister's comments set an optimistic tone for US-China relations in 2026, indicating Beijing's desire to improve ties after years of tensions, especially over trade. The expected summit between the countries' leaders provides an opportunity to manage differences and find common ground.

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.' He said China's attitude has 'always been positive and open,' and the key is for the US to 'meet us halfway.' The two countries have been at odds for years, with the US launching a trade war under former President Trump. While a temporary truce was reached, deeper issues remain unresolved.

  • The expected summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for late March 2026.

The players

Wang Yi

China's Foreign Minister who struck an optimistic tone about improving US-China relations in 2026.

Donald Trump

The current US President who is expected to visit Beijing for a summit with his Chinese counterpart later this month.

Xi Jinping

The President of China who is expected to host the summit with his US counterpart later this month.

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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 (kob.com)

“China's attitude has always been positive and open, and the key is for the U.S. side to meet us halfway.”

— Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister (kob.com)

What’s next

The expected summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for late March 2026, providing an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss managing differences and improving bilateral ties.

The takeaway

China's overtures suggest a desire to reset relations with the US in 2026, after years of tensions, especially over trade. The upcoming summit offers a chance for the two countries to find common ground and chart a more constructive path forward in their complex and consequential relationship.