Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned against growing tensions between China and the United States during high-level talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing, stressing that confrontation between both contries would be damaging to global stability.
Speaking at the opening session of discussions held at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, Xi cautioned against rivalry between the world’s two biggest economies, urging both nations to strengthen cooperation instead.
“China and the United States both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,” Xi said during the meeting.
“We should be partners, not rivals. We should help each other succeed and prosper together and find the right way for major countries to get along well with each other in the new era,” the Chinese leader added.
Xi further called on both countries to “transcend the ‘Thucydides Trap’ and forge a new model for relations between major powers,” referencing the theory that conflict often arises when an emerging power challenges an established global power.
Trump, who is currently on a three-day state visit to China, described it as an “honour” to call Xi his friend and praised the Chinese president during the talks.
“You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true,” Trump told Xi.
Despite the cordial atmosphere and elaborate ceremonies surrounding the visit, several contentious issues continue to strain relations between Washington and Beijing, including Taiwan, trade disagreements and geopolitical tensions linked to Iran.
Xi reiterated China’s opposition to trade disputes, warning that “there are no winners in trade wars,” while encouraging both sides to preserve momentum in bilateral relations.
Reports indicate that discussions between both governments have focused heavily on trade and economic cooperation, with possible agreements expected to include increased Chinese purchases of American soybeans, beef and aircraft.
Officials from the Trump administration are also reportedly pushing for the establishment of a new Board of Trade with China aimed at addressing longstanding commercial disputes between both countries.
Taiwan remains one of the most sensitive subjects in the talks. Beijing has repeatedly condemned Washington’s military support for the self-governing island, which China considers part of its territory.
The Trump administration recently approved an £8.1 billion weapons package for Taiwan, although deliveries are yet to commence.
Taiwan’s strategic importance has also continued to grow because of its dominance in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly in the production of advanced chips used in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
Trump is also expected to visit the Temple of Heaven during his stay in Beijing, as both nations continue negotiations aimed at easing tensions and strengthening economic ties.
