14 May,2026 10:03 AM IST | Beijing | mid-day online correspondent
US President Donald Trump shakes hands with China`s President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Pic/AFP
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for stronger cooperation and stable relations between China and the United States during his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Beijing, saying the world's two largest economies "should be partners, not rivals."
The bilateral meeting took place as part of Trump's two-day visit to China and comes at a time when relations between Washington and Beijing continue to face tensions over trade, technology, regional security and geopolitical influence.
During the high-level talks, Xi said the world was undergoing major geopolitical and economic changes and stressed the importance of maintaining stable ties between the two countries.
According to the Chinese President, the international situation has become increasingly unstable and global powers now face critical decisions that could shape the future world order.
Xi stated that the world was witnessing "a transformation not seen in a century" and said China and the United States had a responsibility to provide stability during a period of global uncertainty.
The Chinese leader's remarks reflected Beijing's attempt to present itself as a supporter of international stability amid growing geopolitical tensions in several regions, including West Asia.
Xi also referred to the concept known as the "Thucydides trap," a term commonly used in international relations to describe the danger of conflict when a rising global power challenges an existing dominant power.
The concept was popularised by political scientist Graham T. Allison and has often been discussed in the context of growing competition between China and the United States.
During the meeting, Xi questioned whether both countries could avoid falling into confrontation and instead establish what he described as a "new paradigm" of relations between major powers.
He said China and the US needed to work together to address global challenges and build a more stable future for both countries and the wider international community.
The Chinese President emphasised that cooperation between Beijing and Washington would benefit both nations, while confrontation would create losses for both sides.
Xi said China and the United States shared more common interests than differences and argued that the success of one country should not be viewed as a threat to the other.
He also stressed that a stable relationship between the two countries would positively impact the global economy and international political stability.
According to Xi, both governments should focus on helping each other succeed economically and diplomatically rather than treating one another as strategic rivals.
Xi also welcomed Trump back to China after a gap of nine years and congratulated the United States ahead of the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
The Chinese President expressed hope that the ongoing discussions between the two leaders would help open what he described as a "new chapter" in bilateral relations.
He further said he hoped 2026 could become a historic year for China-US ties if both sides managed to improve cooperation and reduce tensions.
The meeting between Xi and Trump is being closely watched globally as relations between the two countries remain strained over several key issues, including tariffs, semiconductor technology, military influence in the Indo-Pacific region and broader geopolitical competition.
Analysts believe the outcome of the talks could influence future economic relations between the two countries as well as global diplomatic and trade dynamics in the coming years.
(With inputs from Agencies)
