On September 30, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said at a reception celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China that President Xi Jinping’s first state visit to the United States in 11 years was one that has charted the course for China-U.S. relations.

Ambassador Xie said, head-of-state diplomacy anchors the bilateral relationship. Having witnessed many interactions between President Xi and President Trump, I have come to regard their mutual respect and sincerity as the most valuable strategic asset in our relationship. Their personal connection and in-depth dialogue have helped keep China-U.S. relations on course at critical moments.

In Beijing, the two presidents agreed on a new vision of building a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. In Washington, they gave that vision greater substance through the principles of “respect, fairness and reciprocity.” Under their leadership, our relationship continues to improve and move steadily forward, meeting the hopes of people in both countries and around the world. Our two countries must step up to turn this vision into action—toward a relationship where cooperation is the mainstay, competition is kept within proper limits, differences are managed, and peace can be expected. Together, we must overcome the Thucydides Trap and find the right way for China and the United States to get along.