Bangladesh, Sept. 26 -- The relationship between China and the United States remains one of the most consequential bilateral relationships in the world. In 2026, that relationship has once again moved to the center of international attention as Chinese President Xi Jinping undertakes a state visit to the United States at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. On September 24, President Trump hosted President Xi at the White House for a formal welcome ceremony, marking a highly visible moment in the continuing engagement between the two countries.

At the heart of this engagement is a simple but important reality: China and the United States are both major countries with large economies, significant international responsibilities an...