Beijing has proposed four pillars for 'stability' in its relationship with the US and warned against interference in Taiwan. China views itself as a mediator and a 21st-century global power, emphasizing dialogue between top leaders to shape bilateral relations.

Donald Trump is the first US leader to visit Beijing in nearly a decade. Amid the pomp, circumstance and high-level meetings, Angela Diffley welcomes Shanhui ZHANG, Journalist at CGTN (China Global Television Network) and Fellow at the Center for China and Globalisation. From the outset, Zhang frames the relationship in almost symbolic and ritual terms, suggesting that “when the two top leaders are talking together, that’s how we can decide the future of the China and the U.S. relations.” The di...