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‘Normal stability’: US-China Track 1.5 talks offer formula for ties

A senior Chinese official has urged China and the US to strive for 'normal stability with controllable disagreements' in their relations, as the two countries expand their shared interests through unofficial dialogue.

By Fan Chen·Aug 25·scmp.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

‘Normal stability’: US-China Track 1.5 talks offer formula for ties
Image: scmp.com

Senior Chinese official Liu Haixing has called for 'normal stability with controllable disagreements' in US-China relations, suggesting that the two countries should expand their shared interests and reject zero-sum games.

Why it matters

The US-China relationship is a crucial aspect of global politics, and finding a formula for stability is essential for maintaining peace and cooperation between the two nations.

Imagine you're playing a game with a friend where you both want to win, but you also want to be friends. That's what Liu Haixing is saying: the US and China should try to be friends and cooperate, even if they disagree on some things.

Analysis

Liu Haixing's Proposal for Stability

Liu Haixing, the head of the Communist Party's International Department, has proposed a formula for stability in US-China relations. He suggests that the two countries should strive for 'normal stability with controllable disagreements,' where both sides expand their shared interests and reject zero-sum games. This approach would allow the two nations to achieve healthy stability with well-managed competition and seek common ground while bridging differences.

The Track 1.5 Dialogue

The US-China Track 1.5 Dialogue is a mechanism established in 2023 to bridge official diplomacy and non-governmental exchanges between the two countries. The dialogue brought together roughly 40 Chinese and foreign representatives from local government, think tanks, and universities, as well as members of the US strategic and business communities. The US delegation attending the two-day dialogue was led by John Thornton, co-chairman of the Asia Society think tank.

Implications of Liu's Proposal

Liu's proposal for stability in US-China relations has significant implications for the global community. If implemented, it could lead to a reduction in tensions between the two nations and promote cooperation on key issues such as trade, security, and climate change. However, the proposal also raises concerns about the potential for China to continue its assertive foreign policy while maintaining a facade of cooperation with the US.

Key points

  • Liu Haixing has proposed a formula for stability in US-China relations, calling for 'normal stability with controllable disagreements'.
  • The US-China Track 1.5 Dialogue is a mechanism established in 2023 to bridge official diplomacy and non-governmental exchanges between the two countries.
  • Liu's proposal has significant implications for the global community, potentially leading to a reduction in tensions between the two nations and promoting cooperation on key issues.
The Upside

If Liu's proposal is implemented, it could lead to a reduction in tensions between the US and China, promoting cooperation on key issues and reducing the risk of conflict.

The Downside

However, there are concerns that China may continue its assertive foreign policy while maintaining a facade of cooperation with the US, potentially leading to increased tensions and conflict.

Originally reported at

scmp.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsus-china-relationsdiplomacychinaunited-statesglobal-politics

Author

Fan Chen

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 25, 2026

Source

scmp.com

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Topics

us-china-relationsdiplomacychinaunited-statesglobal-politics

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