Recent developments in China-US economic and diplomatic interactions signal a cautious but hopeful trajectory toward stabilizing bilateral relations. On February 21, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held a video call with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss key economic issues, marking another step in ongoing exchanges between the two countries. Both sides reiterated the importance of maintaining stable economic and trade relations, reflecting mutual recognition of their intertwined interests.

This dialogue follows a series of interactions across various sectors, including diplomacy, trade, and business. Notably, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao sent a letter to newly appointed US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaged in talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These engagements, occurring just over a month into the new US administration’s term, suggest a deliberate effort to maintain open channels of communication despite underlying tensions.

However, recent US policy adjustments have cast a shadow over this cautious optimism. The State Department’s revision of its fact sheet on Taiwan, removing the statement that the US “does not support ‘Taiwan independence,'” and updates emphasizing the US-China trade deficit have reignited concerns about Washington’s long-term intentions. Such moves risk escalating geopolitical tensions and complicating economic cooperation, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty for both nations and the global economy.

Washington’s stance toward China appears marked by strategic ambivalence. On one hand, the US continues efforts to contain and counter China, often framing the bilateral........

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