China says ties with U.S. remain stable ahead of Trump visit despite ‘disruptions’

China’s top diplomat said on Thursday (May 7, 2026) that ties with the U.S. have been in general stable despite “many twists and disruptions,” and called on both countries to find a way to contribute to global peace, a week before President Donald Trump is expected to visit.

During a meeting with members of a U.S. bipartisan congressional delegation, led by Senator Steve Daines, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi credited Presidents Xi Jinping and Mr. Trump for “helping steer the direction of bilateral relations at critical moments.”

“Over the past year, China-U.S. relations have gone through many twists and disruptions, but we have still managed to maintain overall stability,” Mr. Wang said.

Mr. Daines, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a strong supporter of Mr. Trump, agreed and said that both countries should look for stability.

“I strongly believe that we want to de-escalate, not decouple. We want stability, we want mutual respect,” he said.

Mr. Daines added that after the leaders meet next week, “perhaps we could see some more Boeing airplanes purchased, which I know would be something we would like to see.”

The senator also recognised China’s efforts to help reduce tensions in West Asia and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He said that Mr. Wang’s meeting on Wednesday (May 6, 2026) with the Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was proof of China’s engagement.

Ahead of Mr. Trump’s visit to China, scheduled for May 14-15, the U.S. government has been pressing Beijing to use its influence with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world’s oil normally flows.

It was Mr. Daines’ second trip to China since Mr. Trump took office last year. He previously visited in March 2025, when the two countries were locked in frictions over trade tariffs and efforts to combat illegal fentanyl trade.