Xi Jinping opened the talks by stressing cooperation over confrontation, saying the world was going through “profound changes” and warning against the “Thucydides Trap” — the idea that rivalry between rising and established powers can lead to conflict. He said China and the United States should be “partners, not rivals” and argued that stable ties between the two countries would benefit the entire world. Xi also highlighted that both nations had “more common interests than differences” and called for a new chapter in bilateral relations.
Donald Trump responded with an equally positive tone, praising Xi as a “great leader” and saying US-China relations would become “better than ever before.” Trump highlighted the presence of leading American business executives in his delegation, including major technology and corporate figures, and said they were eager to expand trade and investment opportunities with China. Calling the summit “maybe the biggest ever,” Trump projected confidence that the discussions could reshape the future of the global economy.
The summit also took place against the backdrop of the Iran conflict and rising political pressure in Washington, where divisions within Trump’s Republican Party over military involvement in the Middle East have become increasingly visible.