BEIJING – For President Donald Trump, global power may return to the United States and China – what he calls the “G2,” or Group of Two. But China is less enamored of the idea, at least publicly.
The concept of “G2” – a more specialized version of the Group of 7 or Group of 20 forums – was introduced in 2005 by the American economist C. Fred Bergsten to emphasize the importance of communication between the world’s two largest economies. Although initially welcomed by some policymakers, the idea has fallen out of favor in Washington amid growing tensions with Beijing, including during Trump’s first term.
However, last fall, Trump used the term “G2” repeatedly in reference to his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea without saying how the “G2” plan would work in practice. He will meet Xi again when he travels to China later this month.
For China, Trump’s mere use of “G2” is an acknowledgment of its growing power, suggesting that the US and China are global peers and should have an equal say in international affairs. But for America’s allies, it raises fears that Washington and Beijing could cut them off from key decision-making and make deals against their interests.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, sought to allay such fears Sunday at a news conference on the sidelines of China’s annual legislative session in Beijing.
“There is no doubt that China and the US have a great influence on the world. But we should not forget that there are more than 190 countries in our world,” he said in response to a question from NBC News. “The history of the world has been written by many countries together, and the future of mankind will be built by the efforts of all nations.”
The concept of the “G2” is difficult for China, which bases many of its discussions in the Global South on the opposition to the idea that big powers should decide on small ones. And it is reluctant to take on more responsibility for global governance if it means being drawn into conflicts in the Middle East and other areas that have troubled the US.
Wang said that China “will not want to dominate or expand,” and that it wants to build “a balanced and orderly multilateral world.”
“If we look back in history, the great power struggle and the conflict of the bloc have caused tragedy and pain to humanity at all times,” he said. “Therefore, China will never take the shocking approach of seeking sovereignty as its power grows. And we do not agree with the idea that the world can be ruled by big countries.”
Although the questions and answers at Wang’s annual news conference are coordinated in advance, it is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of China’s top officials. His answers show how China now sees its position in the world and its relations with other countries, including the US
The US-China relationship has “far-reaching and global implications,” Wang said.
“Turning our backs will lead to misunderstandings and imbalances,” he said. “Getting into conflict or conflict can drag the whole world down.”
Although US-China relations have been tested by Trump’s tariffs around the world, he often talks about his “great relationship” with Xi and has spoken to him twice by phone since their October meeting.
“It is gratifying to see that the presidents of the two countries have led by example, maintaining good communication at the highest level,” Wang said. “They have provided an important safeguard for the relationship between China and the US to develop and move forward, and restore their relationship from a bad situation after bad and good situations.”
Trump and Xi are expected to meet four times this year, starting with Trump’s three-day trip to China that the White House says will begin on March 31.
Xi is then expected to return with a trip to the US, and may attend the G20 summit in Miami in December. In November, Trump may attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that China will host in Shenzhen.
2026 is a “big year” for US-China relations, Wang said.
“A high-level trade agenda is off the table,” he said. “What both sides need to do now is to make comprehensive preparations, create an appropriate environment, control existing risks and eliminate unnecessary disruptions.”
Another potential distraction from the Trump-Xi summit is the ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which has close ties to China.
On Sunday, Wang reiterated Beijing’s calls for an immediate halt to military action and a return to negotiations, saying war with Iran “doesn’t help anyone.”
“Seeing the Middle East in flames, I want to say that this is a war that should not have happened,” he said. “It’s a war that doesn’t help anyone.”
Wang also rejected the “abuse of power” and violations of international law.
“The law of the jungle must not come back and rule the world,” he said. “Deliberate use of force does not show one’s strength.”
