For both countries, a stable China-U.S. relationship helps remove obstacles to domestic development. More broadly, it carries profound significance for global stability and prosperity, according to Kuhn.

　　The timing adds further weight to the relationship. In 2026, China is embarking on its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), while the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its founding. The two countries will respectively host major global gatherings, the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen and the G20 Leaders' Summit in Miami, which will place them at the center of the international agenda.

This photo taken on Feb. 10, 2026 shows a view outside the venue for the First Senior Officials' Meeting of APEC China 2026 in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

　　Beyond red-line and trade issues, observers also point to several areas where cooperation remains vital for both sides, including climate change, counternarcotics and artificial intelligence.

　　For Xi, it is precisely these countless small acts of cooperation that carry lasting significance.

　　He once reminded Trump that for China and the United States, "it is always right to do a good thing, however small, and always wrong to do a bad thing, however small."

　　Just as the Chinese leader has noted on many occasions, China and the United States, as two major countries, can shoulder their responsibilities and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of both countries and the whole world.