China Says US Ties Stable Ahead of Trump Visit

China's top diplomat said Thursday that ties with the US have been in general stable despite many twists and disruptions. He called on both countries to find a way to contribute to global peace, a week before President Donald Trump is expected to visit.

During a meeting with members of a US bipartisan congressional delegation, the Chinese foreign minister credited Presidents Xi Jinping and Trump for helping steer the direction of bilateral relations at critical moments. The foreign minister said that over the past year, China-US relations have gone through many twists and disruptions but have still managed to maintain overall stability.

The US senator leading the delegation agreed on the importance of stability. The senator said both countries should look to de-escalate rather than decouple, while seeking mutual respect. The senator added that after the leaders meet next week, further purchases of Boeing airplanes could occur.

The senator also recognized China's efforts to help reduce tensions in the Middle East and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The senator pointed to the Chinese foreign minister's meeting the previous day with the Iranian foreign minister as proof of China's engagement on the issue.

The US government has been pressing Beijing to use its influence with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where 20 percent of the world's oil normally flows.

This was the senator's second trip to China since Trump took office last year. The previous visit occurred in March 2025, when the two countries were dealing with frictions over trade tariffs and efforts to combat illegal fentanyl trade. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 7, 2026.