China Calls 2026 a 'Landmark Year' for U.S. Relations Ahead of Expected Trump-Xi Summit

The U.S. and China have been at odds for years, with Trump launching a trade war during his first term and hitting China with its highest tariff rates over a major trade imbalance. A temporary truce reached last October paused the steepest tariffs but left deeper issues unresolved. Foreign Minister Wang Yi struck an optimistic tone on Sunday, calling 2026 a "landmark year" for the two powers and signaling Beijing's readiness to host President Trump for a summit with President Xi Jinping expected at the end of March. Wang urged both sides to "meet halfway," manage differences, and build a suitable atmosphere for the visit. He also called for an immediate end to the Iran war, stating it "doesn't bring any benefit to anyone," and emphasized that the United Nations' leading role must be upheld.