Commentary: The danger of newfound 'strategic stability' in US-China ties

Three months after President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing, a new phase in US-China relations appears to be taking shape, according to veteran newspaper editor Han Fook Kwang. The short visit in May resulted in modest gains, such as China agreeing to buy 200 Boeing planes and at least $17 billion worth of annual agricultural products from the US.

More significant was the strengthening of the personal relationship between the two leaders, with Trump praising Xi as a "great leader and friend." This relationship is now based on "constructive strategic stability," a phrase first used by Xi and echoed by the White House. The meeting has led to a focus on optics and symbolism, with both sides seeking to demonstrate respect for each other through visible and substantive gestures.

The two nations are also working to reduce the risk of events or issues that could destabilize their relationship, with both China and the US attempting to avoid allowing conflicts, such as the war in Iran, to damage their ties. Furthermore, expectations for substantive achievements have been lowered, with the two sides focusing on areas amenable to cooperation and excluding issues with deep differences, such as security in the Indo-Pacific and technology.