Xi Jinping Highlights People-to-People Ties as U.S.-China Relations Show Signs of Stabilization

Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the enduring importance of people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States, emphasizing that cooperation between the two nations will continue regardless of fluctuations in bilateral relations. In a recent reply to Iowa businessman Luca Berrone, Xi noted that the foundation of U.S.-China relations lies in the goodwill and engagement of their citizens.

According to Xinhua, Xi responded to a New Year’s greeting from Berrone, whom he first met in 1985 during a delegation visit from Hebei province to Iowa, China’s “sister state.” The visit focused on agricultural cooperation and food production, laying early groundwork for long-standing ties. Xi reiterated that “the hope of U.S.-China relations lies in the people,” underscoring the importance of grassroots diplomacy ahead of a potential meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in April.

Xi previously expressed similar sentiments in 2022, when he told longtime Iowa friend Sarah Lande that global stability depends on steady U.S.-China ties, especially after relations were strained during the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S.-China relations experienced turbulence in 2025, particularly when Trump threatened to impose additional 100% tariffs on Chinese imports. Despite trade tensions, people-to-people engagement saw a surprising revival. The proposed U.S. TikTok ban drove American users to Chinese social media platform RedNote, while “Chinamaxxing”—a trend among Gen Z Americans embracing Chinese cultural practices—gained momentum amid China’s growing reputation as a technological powerhouse.

Diplomatic relations appeared to stabilize following Xi-Trump talks in South Korea in October, resulting in a one-year extension of a trade truce. The agreement included tariff reductions, renewed U.S. soybean purchases, fentanyl control cooperation, and a pause on rare earth export restrictions. A follow-up phone call in February addressed Taiwan and security concerns, with Trump noting China’s openness to increasing soybean imports from Iowa.

Trump has announced plans to visit China in April, with Xi expected to travel to the United States in late 2026, signaling continued high-level engagement in U.S.-China diplomacy.