Trade ties gain steadier ground

The outcomes of the China-US trade talks in Malaysia demonstrated the commitment of both sides to maintain stability in one of the world's most important economic relationships and underscored Beijing's firm stance in safeguarding its core interests, experts said.

After weeks of escalating tensions, the two countries have stepped back from the brink, suspending some restrictive measures and extending their tariff truce for one year.

This once again proves that Beijing and Washington, based on equal-footed consultations, are fully capable of addressing their respective concerns, analysts and businesses said, calling for the two countries to earnestly deliver on the commitments and inject greater certainty into the world economy.

Shao Xiang, a senior macro analyst at Minsheng Securities, said that with the US reducing its "fentanyl tariffs" to 10 percent from 20 percent, China, in a reciprocal action, will scrap its 10 percent counter-tariff on US soybeans, a move that could pave the way for potential imports from US farmers.

A closer look at the outcomes reveals that the US had to make concessions in the face of China's resolute countermeasures, especially considering Washington's pre-negotiation hardline posture, said Ding Zhuang, an associate researcher of Renmin University of China's Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies.

"Beijing does possess potent strategic counterweights, but it never seeks to escalate confrontation but to compel a return to rational dialogue and mutually-acceptable solutions," Ding said.

"In contrast to what we see as fragmented and short-term approaches from the US, China's priorities remain clear: ensuring global industrial and supply chain stability while focusing on its own developmental agenda," Ding said.

Observers believe these new developments will help the China-US relationship head for a period of stabilization, but they cautioned that this may represent a "tactical pause" rather than a fundamental, structural improvement in long-term ties, which requires both sides to continue demonstrating good faith and honor their commitments.

Recalibrating relationship

Chen Wenling, former chief economist at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, suggests that recent engagements between China and the US indicate not only a shared willingness but also a demonstrated capacity to recalibrate the bilateral relationship toward steadier ground.

A normalized long-term relationship, however, hinges on both sides following through on their pledges, engaging in sustained dialogue, and pioneering a new form of peaceful coexistence — one that prevents confrontation despite their differences in political systems and development models, Chen said.

Liu Siqiang, vice-president of Winhere Auto-Part Manufacturing Co in Yantai, Shandong province, said: "We believe that a healthy and stable economic relationship serves as a common aspiration and crucial foundation for business development in our two countries."