Scholars and policy experts gathered at the 14th World Peace Forum in Beijing to examine whether stability between China and the United States can still anchor an increasingly fragmented international order. The forum, held under the theme "Global Governance and International Security Cooperation: Integrity, Innovation, and Inclusiveness," brought together over 400 participants from more than 80 countries to address mounting geopolitical tensions and emerging security challenges.

A panel titled "China–U.S. Relations and International Stability" was chaired by Da Wei, Director of the Center for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University. Thomas Fingar of Stanford University argued that interpreting global affairs primarily through the lens of China-U.S. competition overlooks the growing influence of regional conflicts, shifting alliance dynamics, and the policy choices of third countries. He noted that addressing global challenges will require broader international engagement beyond bilateral cooperation.

Several speakers pointed to the recent meeting between the Chinese and U.S. presidents, where both sides described their relationship in terms of "constructive strategic stability." Wu Xinbo of Fudan University and Yu Tiejun of Peking University viewed this formulation as an important step toward more stable long-term relations. They argued it reflects a shift away from an emphasis on "decoupling" and "de-risking" toward greater dialogue and cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, financial governance, arms control, and crisis management.

Clifford Kupchan, Chairman Emeritus of the Eurasia Group, offered a more cautious assessment, describing the current U.S.-China relationship as one of "competitive coexistence." He argued that recent progress has centered on establishing guardrails and preventing conflict rather than expanding cooperation. As technological and supply-chain decoupling accelerates, the relationship increasingly resembles Cold War-era U.S.-Soviet relations, where key issues must be managed separately despite broader strategic rivalry.

Sun Yun, Director of the China Program of the Stimson Center, highlighted continuing differences in how Beijing and Washington interpret "constructive strategic stability." She noted that China emphasizes cooperation while the United States places greater priority on risk management and crisis prevention. Looking ahead, she said the trajectory of China-U.S. relations will be shaped both by President Trump's personal approach and China's growing national strength.

Jointly organized by Tsinghua University and the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, the forum featured key speakers including Mushahid Hussain Sayed, former Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee of Pakistan; Kim Sung-Hwan, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea; and Hina Rabbani Khar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. The event attracted significant media attention, with more than 200 journalists representing over 70 domestic and international outlets in attendance.