China is prepared to engage in communication at all levels with the United States while steadfastly upholding its core principles and “red lines,” a spokesperson for the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee said Wednesday.
The comments from Lou Qinjian came one day before the opening of the NPC’s annual session (the “Two Sessions”) and amid concerted efforts by both Washington and Beijing to stabilize bilateral ties ahead of a high-profile summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing from March 31 to April 2. Lou reiterated China’s long-standing call for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, urging the U.S. Congress to adopt an “objective” view of China and take concrete steps to improve relations.
“No country has the right to control international affairs, dictate the fate of other nations, or monopolize development advantages, still less to act as it pleases on the world stage,” he told reporters at a pre-session press conference.
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At the same time, he emphasized that “China has its own principles and red lines, and as always, will resolutely defend its sovereignty, security and development interests.” The statement is a reflection of Beijing’s dual-track approach: openness to pragmatic engagement on trade, investment, and global stability, combined with unyielding positions on core issues including Taiwan, technology controls, South China Sea claims, and support for partners such as Iran and Venezuela.
Strained Ties Amid Multiple Crises
Bilateral relations — already damaged by trade frictions, technology decoupling, and sanctions — have faced additional pressure from two major geopolitical shocks in recent months:
The U.S.-led raid that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas in January 2026 disrupted a key oil supplier and strategic ally for China.
The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei further threatens Iran’s role as a major oil supplier and geopolitical partner for Beijing.
Lou called for an immediate ceasefire in the Iran conflict and urged respect for Iran’s sovereignty, implicitly criticizing U.S. and Israeli actions. Both Iran and Venezuela remain critical sources of discounted crude for China, and disruptions to either have forced Beijing to accelerate diversification efforts while navigating U.S. pressure to reduce reliance on sanctioned suppliers.
Pre-Summit Diplomacy Offers Hope for Truce
A White House official confirmed Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2 — his first trip since 2017 — though Beijing has not yet issued an official announcement. Bloomberg News reported Tuesday that top trade negotiators from both sides are expected to meet in Paris next week to discuss potential business deals linked to the summit.
The NPC session (March 5–11) will provide a key platform for China to outline its economic priorities, defense posture, and foreign policy stance for 2026. Analysts expect Premier Li Qiang’s government work report to emphasize technological self-reliance, consumption-driven growth, and measured openness to foreign investment — while reaffirming firm positions on Taiwan and core sovereignty issues.
The comments reflect Beijing’s calibrated strategy: signaling readiness for high-level dialogue to prevent further deterioration while drawing clear boundaries on non-negotiable issues. The upcoming Trump-Xi summit — if it proceeds as planned — will likely focus on stabilizing trade flows, managing technology competition, and addressing immediate flashpoints (Iran, Venezuela, Taiwan) rather than resolving deep structural disputes.
For global markets, the tone from Beijing offers modest reassurance that escalation can be avoided, but uncertainty persists. Oil prices remain elevated (Brent near $82) due to Middle East disruptions, while currency and bond markets watch closely for any signs of renewed friction. China’s willingness to talk — combined with its insistence on red lines — suggests a period of intense, high-stakes diplomacy ahead of the March–April summits.
The NPC session will provide further clarity on China’s internal priorities, while the Paris trade talks and Trump-Xi meeting will test whether both sides can translate rhetoric into concrete stabilization measures. For now, Beijing is projecting strength and openness simultaneously — a classic posture designed to manage expectations and protect core interests.