The telephone talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump on Sept 19 once again underscored the irreplaceable role of heads-of-state diplomacy in steering the course of China-US relations. As the most consequential bilateral ties in the world, their steady development is vital not only to both countries, but to global peace and prosperity. The just-concluded talks carry forward the momentum of recent exchanges and provide new strategic guidance for the future of the relationship.

President Xi recalled that China and the US were allies that fought side by side during World War II. The Chinese people, he stressed, will never forget the valuable support of the US and other anti-fascist allies during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). The message is clear: Drawing lessons from history, both sides should cherish peace and forge ahead into the future.

Acknowledging the global significance of China-US relations, Xi expressed confidence that the two countries can fully achieve mutual success and common prosperity, benefiting both countries and the world. Under the heads-of-state guidance, the recent consultations between the two teams have demonstrated equality, respect and mutual benefit, showing that dialogue and cooperation remain the only viable choices.

Xi emphasized that the two sides should take full advantage of this consultation mechanism to properly address outstanding issues and strive for win-win results. To make that happen, the US side should refrain from taking unilateral restrictive trade measures that could undermine the achievements that have been made in the series of consultations.

On the TikTok issue, Xi reiterated China's principled stance. The Chinese government respects the will of firms and is glad to see them conduct business negotiations in line with market rules, Chinese laws and regulations, and balanced interests. The US, as Xi said, should provide an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies. This approach demonstrates China's sincerity and constructive attitude in seeking a mutually acceptable solution on the issue.

It is encouraging that President Trump also affirmed the importance of bilateral ties, and voiced his country's readiness to maintain a long-term and great relationship with China, and that he expressed willingness to work together with China to promote economic cooperation and safeguard world peace.

The talks, described as "pragmatic, positive, and constructive", showed a clear direction for stabilizing and advancing the world's most significant bilateral relationship. As Xi has emphasized, meeting each other halfway, upholding mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation are the right way to help keep China-US relations moving forward on the right track.