Xi and Trump forge path to ‘constructive strategic stability’

China and the United States have agreed to pursue what officials call “constructive strategic stability” in their relationship. The term signals a new framework for managing the world’s most important bilateral relationship. It suggests both sides will seek to reduce the risk of conflict while protecting their own interests. The agreement follows a period of intense trade and diplomatic tension between the two powers. Details of how the framework will work in practice have not yet been released. “Constructive strategic stability” implies that both countries accept long-term competition but want to keep it peaceful and predictable.