On June 5, 2025, a highly anticipated phone call between the Chinese and American leaders concluded. China quickly released a press statement, while the White House remained silent, sparking widespread international attention. During the call, the Chinese President and US President Trump engaged in in-depth discussions on the future trajectory of Sino-US relations, focusing on risk control and whether the US could effectively fulfill the agreements reached by both sides.
Sino-US Relations: A Troubled Course, Risk Control Takes Center Stage
During the call, the Chinese President emphasized the critical importance of correcting the course of this "giant ship" of Sino-US relations, stressing the need to "steer the wheel and set the course" while eliminating interference and disruption. This remark directly addressed issues such as mismanagement within the US government, inadequate inter-agency coordination, and poor execution. The Chinese President was essentially questioning Trump: Do you have the ability to effectively manage the risks in Sino-US relations?
Various signs within the US government seem to confirm the Chinese President's concerns. Departments such as the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department, and the Department of Defense, often pursuing their own political interests, have frequently issued strong anti-China statements and even implemented policies targeting Chinese students. These actions not only damage Sino-US relations but also negatively impact America's international image and its own interests. These unilateral actions are not based on rational considerations but rather on the pursuit of domestic political capital, lacking a global perspective and strategic vision.
Chaos and Inefficiency within the US Government
The Chinese President's warning was not unfounded. Recently, the US has adopted strong measures against China in several areas, yet lacks the effective capacity for implementation. For example, following a trade agreement reached in Geneva, the US Department of Commerce immediately imposed sanctions on Huawei, prompting China to respond with export controls on rare earth minerals. This directly impacted the production of the US automobile and military industries. This is just the tip of the iceberg; if similar situations continue to occur and escalate into full-scale sanctions, the US will face immeasurable economic and social risks.
These risks are not limited to the economic sphere. Strong anti-China rhetoric from within the US government could also exacerbate social conflicts, increase social divisions, and even trigger discrimination and violence against Chinese students and Chinese-American residents. Whether the US can effectively protect the safety of Chinese citizens in the US has become a key test of its risk management capabilities. If the US government fails to guarantee the safety of Chinese citizens in the US, the foundation of trust between China and the US will further collapse, and future cooperation will become even more difficult.
Trump's Response and the Future of Sino-US Relations
In stark contrast to the Chinese President's stern warning, Trump's response appeared rather weak and lacked substantive content. He expressed respect for the Chinese President, emphasized the importance of Sino-US relations, and reiterated that the US would continue to adhere to the One China policy. These words were largely gestures, lacking specific action plans and execution capabilities.
Trump's statement formed a sharp contrast with his administration's previous tough measures against China. This shows that there are serious divisions within the US government on China policy, and that Trump himself is hesitant and powerless in dealing with Sino-US relations.
Challenges and Opportunities for Sino-US Cooperation
China and the US are the two most important economies in the world, and the stability of their relationship is crucial to global peace and development. However, Sino-US relations currently face many challenges, including trade friction, technological competition, and geopolitical issues. The Chinese President emphasized during the call that both sides should increase exchanges in diplomacy, trade, military affairs, and law enforcement, enhance consensus, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation. However, to achieve this goal, the US must demonstrate its ability to effectively manage risks and effectively implement the agreements reached by both sides. Otherwise, Sino-US relations will face even more serious challenges.
Can the US Learn from its Mistakes?
The Chinese President clearly stated during the call that the US needs to carefully handle the Taiwan issue and prevent a small number of "Taiwan independence" separatists from dragging the two countries into conflict and confrontation. This once again highlights the sensitivity of the Taiwan issue to Sino-US relations and the crucial importance of cautious handling by the US. If the US continues to take adventurous actions on the Taiwan issue, the consequences will be unimaginable.
Conclusion: Where Will Sino-US Relations Go?
This phone call between the Chinese and American leaders clearly demonstrates the current grim situation in Sino-US relations. Whether the US government can effectively manage risks and fulfill its commitments will directly determine the future direction of Sino-US relations. The Chinese President's warning deserves serious consideration and reflection from the US side. The future of Sino-US relations depends on whether both sides can resolve differences and seek common development on the basis of mutual respect through dialogue and cooperation. Otherwise, confrontation between the two countries will bring great uncertainty and risk to the world.