Tertius News is an AI-native newsroom: an AI model reads the source articles linked below — on this story, all of them from one outlet — and extracts what that outlet reported, claim by claim. How this works →
Why the era of the 3 joint US-China communiques may be ‘completely’ over
Following the Xi-Trump summit, Chinese analysts are divided on the future of the three US-China joint communiques. One warns the era may be over, another cautions against rushing a new agreement. The summit saw agreement on a constructive strategic stability, but US domestic politics loom large.
Lead
The three joint communiques that have long guided US-China relations may no longer define the bilateral relationship, according to one Chinese analyst, while another warns against rushing to replace them. The debate comes in the wake of the recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, which both sides described as a significant step toward stabilizing ties.
Coverage Comparison
Two perspectives from Chinese academics have emerged, both reported by the South China Morning Post. Zhu Feng, dean of Nanjing University's School of International Studies, told the Post that the era of the three joint communiques "may have completely come to an end." Li Cheng, a professor at the University of Hong Kong's Centre on Contemporary China and the World, expressed a different view: he cautioned against rushing to sign a new joint communique, arguing it would add little value so long as Washington fails to uphold its previous commitments.
Key Claims
- The recent Xi-Trump summit produced a "dramatic change" in the US-China relationship, according to Li Cheng, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
- Zhu Feng warned that the era of the three joint communiques may be over, pointing to US domestic politics as a key obstacle, as reported by the Post.
- The two leaders agreed to build a "constructive relationship of strategic stability," a phrase later echoed by the White House, according to reports from both analysts.
- The White House stated the relationship should operate "on the basis of fairness and reciprocity," as reported by the Post.
- Li Cheng praised Trump's transactional approach and personal rapport with Xi, calling the shift "pragmatic and realistic," according to his interview with Guancha.cn.
Perspectives
Zhu Feng's View
Zhu Feng believes the three joint communiques may no longer serve as the foundation for US-China relations. He suggests that given US domestic politics, it may be "unrealistic" to expect Beijing and Washington to reach a comprehensive political understanding on Taiwan. He sees the summit's agreement on strategic stability as a mutual effort to align perceptions and lay fresh groundwork.
Li Cheng's View
Li Cheng acknowledges the positive shift in the relationship but warns against a new communique. He argues that if the US does not implement the existing three communiques, signing a fourth would be pointless. He also cautions that pushing for a new document could provoke anti-China forces in the US ahead of the midterm elections.
Analysis
The divergent views reflect broader uncertainty about the future of US-China relations. The summit's outcome, including the agreed language on strategic stability, has been welcomed, but the durability of this framework remains untested. Zhu Feng's warning highlights the impact of US domestic politics, while Li Cheng's skepticism underscores concerns about Washington's adherence to past commitments. Both analysts, however, recognize the significant shift in tone from the two leaders.