China says ties with U.S. remain stable ahead of Trump’s May 14–15 visit despite ‘disruptions’
BEIJING — China’s top diplomat said Thursday that relations with the United States have remained generally stable despite “many twists and disruptions,” and urged both countries to find ways to contribute to global peace, a week before President Donald Trump is expected to visit China.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a meeting with a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation led by Sen. Steve Daines.
Wang credited Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump with “helping steer the direction of bilateral relations at critical moments,” and said that despite the challenges of the past year, “we have still managed to maintain overall stability.” Daines, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a strong supporter of Trump, said both countries should focus on stability, stating, “I strongly believe that we want to de-escalate, not decouple.
We want stability, we want mutual respect.” He added that after the leaders meet next week, “perhaps we could see some more Boeing airplanes purchased, which I know would be something we would like to see.” The senator also acknowledged China’s efforts to help reduce tensions in the Middle East and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, pointing to Wang’s meeting on Wednesday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as evidence of China’s engagement.
Ahead of Trump’s May 14–15 visit, the U.S. government has been pressing Beijing to use its influence with Iran to reopen the waterway, through which about 20% of the world’s oil normally flows. It was Daines’ second trip to China since Trump took office last year.
He previously visited in March 2025, when the two countries were locked in frictions over trade tariffs and efforts to combat illegal fentanyl trade. Both sides on Thursday emphasized a desire for stability as their leaders prepare to meet next week.