US warns of deep distrust even as officials seek stable China ties for summit

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Khushboo Razdan,Lucy QuagginFebruary 25, 2026 at 01:00 AM

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Ahead of a planned summit between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in late March/early April, US officials testified before Congress, outlining the US approach to China. The hearings, held on Capitol Hill, revealed a strategy focused on maintaining stable relations with China despite a deep lack of trust. Officials, including Under Secretary for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, cited concerns about Chinese efforts to steal or circumvent US technology restrictions. The testimonies highlighted bipartisan concerns and ongoing tensions regarding trade and advanced technologies like semiconductors. The US aims to pursue a constructive relationship with China while remaining skeptical due to China's perceived untrustworthiness. The summit in Beijing is scheduled for March 31-April 2.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

White House 40% Beijing 40% Capitol Hill 50% State Department 50% House Foreign Affairs Committee 60% Jacob Helberg 70% Xi Jinping ×380% Donald Trump ×480% United States ×390% China ×790%

Keywords

us-china relations 90% distrust 80% stable ties 70% summit 70% donald trump 60% xi jinping 60% technology restrictions 60% trade 50% national security 50%