Why 'constructive strategic stability' matters for China-US relations

Editor's Note: Zhao Minghao is a professor and deputy director of the Center for American Studies, Fudan University.

The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily represents the views of CGTN.

At the invitation of US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States from September 23 to 25.

The visit comes as the two sides seek to advance a relationship of "constructive strategic stability." "Constructive strategic stability" encompasses positive stability centered on cooperation, sound stability with restrained competition, normal stability with manageable differences, and enduring stability promising peace.

A survey conducted by CGTN of 12,000 respondents across 39 countries worldwide shows that 75% of the respondents believe a stable China-US relationship is vital to the international community.

The figure rises to 78.3% in developing countries, while 76.7% of the US respondents share this view.

It suggests broad support for dialogue and stability as the two countries navigate differences over trade, technology, security and other issues.

A stable China-US relationship helps inject greater certainty into world peace.

This meeting between the two heads of state bears on the well-being of the two peoples, as well as global development and prosperity.

First, the meeting between the Chinese and US heads of state will provide strategic guidance for "constructive strategic stability." China and the United States differ in systems, development paths and interest pursuits.

Disagreements are nothing unusual.

But what matters is whether the two sides can avoid miscalculations and manage conflicts through equal-footed dialogue.

In the survey, 78.6% of the global respondents believed that China and the United States should strengthen dialogue on the basis of mutual respect, and 78.3% of the US respondents shared this view.

The findings indicate broad support in the United States for dialogue as a means of managing complex bilateral relations.