Xi Jinping Mentions Surpassing the 'Thucydides Trap'; Trump: China-U.S. Relations Will Be the Best Ever

The Xi-Trump meeting took place in the morning. On Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping referenced the 'Thucydides Trap' (meaning conflict is inevitable between two great powers), but expressed hope that 2026 would become a landmark year marking a new chapter for China-U.S. relations. U.S. President Trump said that China-U.S. relations will be better than ever before, stating, 'Even when faced with difficulties, we can work together to solve them.' Trump also once again emphasized that Xi Jinping is 'a great leader.'

According to a live broadcast by China's state media CCTV News, Xi Jinping and Trump met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in the morning. During the session open to the media, Xi first delivered remarks, stating that this was the first time in 9 years that Trump was visiting China again, and their meeting could be described as attracting worldwide attention.

He said that global changes unseen in a century are accelerating, the international situation is becoming increasingly volatile and complicated, and the world is at a new crossroads. 'Can China and the U.S. transcend the so-called ‘Thucydides Trap’ and create a new paradigm for major power relations? Can we join hands to face global challenges and bring more stability to the world? Can we focus on the well-being of our two peoples and the future of humanity, and jointly create a better future for the China-U.S. relationship? These are, so to speak, historical questions, questions for the world, questions for the people, and also the answers to our time that you and I, as leaders of major nations, need to jointly write.'

Xi Jinping said he has always believed that the common interests between China and the U.S. outweigh their differences, and that each side’s success is an opportunity for the other. Stable China-U.S. relations are good for the world; cooperation benefits both while confrontation hurts both. They should be partners, not rivals — achieving mutual fulfillment and common prosperity, and forging a right way for major powers to get along in this new era.

He said he looks forward to exchanging views with Trump on significant issues affecting both countries and the world, and to jointly steering China-U.S. relations well — making 2026 a historic, landmark year for building on the past and opening up the future.

In his remarks, Trump said it was an honor to be there. He specifically mentioned that during the earlier welcoming ceremony, he saw a group of Chinese children leaping in welcome, which left a deep impression on him. He said those children looked happy and beautiful. 'The military's performance was certainly very good, but those children were even more amazing. They represent so much.'

He again referred to his relationship with Xi Jinping, saying that the two have always maintained a good relationship. 'Even in the face of difficulties, we can solve them together.' The two would call each other, and whenever a problem arose, they could resolve it quickly — something outsiders may not know.

Trump reiterated that Xi Jinping is 'a great leader,' adding, 'Sometimes people don't like me to say that, but I'll say it anyway, because it's the truth.'

When talking about the U.S. delegation for this visit, Trump said he had invited the world's top 30 business elites and that all of them were happy to accept. 'But I don't want the second or third in command from these companies — I want the number one (the top executive), so they all came, to show their respect for China and for you. They also look forward to trade and business cooperation.' Upon hearing this, Xi nodded and smiled.

Trump said this was a discussion of great significance. 'To be your friend, I think China-U.S. relations can be said to be the best they have ever been.'