The ‘G2’ illusion? After Xi-Trump summit, China wants equality while the US seeks deals

The recent Xi-Trump summit in Washington has stirred discussions about the nature of the relationship between China and the United States. While an agreement was reached, based on the principle of reciprocity, a more significant question remains unanswered: does this imply equal status for Beijing?

Countries without a seat at the table are closely watching this ambiguity. The Chinese president's state visit to Washington, which included a state greeting, aerial flyovers, and a state dinner, was seen by some as a statement of rank rather than mere courtesy, suggesting that China might be regarded as the US' peer.

However, the concept of "reciprocity" does not hold the same meaning for the two nations. For the United States, it is transactional - a concession matched by a concession, a deal measured by the benefits each side gains. On the other hand, for China, it signifies equal standing - the acknowledgment that Beijing should be treated as an equal peer, not as a subordinate power under Washington's management.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi clarified this during the visit, stating that reciprocity meant the two countries were "equal in sovereignty," with neither side having dominance over the other. Cooperation would be handled "on an equal basis" and developed "in a balanced manner."

The US President Donald Trump's embrace of "G2" diplomacy, as well as the elaborate reception he gave to Xi, gives Beijing an opportunity to interpret the language of a transaction as one of parity. Sun Chenghao, a fellow at Tsinghua University's Centre for International Security and Strategy, noted that the reception displayed Washington's appreciation for Beijing's international weight and its willingness to invest political resources to improve ties.

Nevertheless, Sun cautioned against interpreting the symbolism too far. He emphasized that reception protocol alone does not imply acceptance of a "G2" framework. This framework, referring to a "Group of Two" or a global duopoly with China and the US as leading powers, would imply that both countries jointly dominate the world and make decisions on behalf of others, a conclusion the meeting cannot support.

China appears more concerned with the equality of the relationship, while the US is focused on whether specific trade-offs are worth it. The "G2" illusion lies in the fact that both sides sit at the same table but have very different expectations from the relationship.