Trump, meanwhile, downplayed tensions between Beijing and Washington and went on to praise Xi’s leadership.
Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said the world stands at “a new crossroads” and that the meeting could be a defining moment for the future of US-China ties and global stability.
“Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides trap and create a new paradigm of major country relations?” Xi said, referring to the idea that rising powers and established powers are often destined for conflict.
Xi added that both countries should work together to tackle global challenges and “provide more stability for the world,” while stressing that cooperation — not confrontation — would benefit both sides.
“We should be partners, not rivals,” Xi said. “China and the United States both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation.”
The Chinese president also said he believed the two countries shared “more common interests than differences” and called for building “a brighter future” for bilateral ties.
“When we have problems, people don’t know, we get over it very quickly,” Trump said during talks with Xi and senior Chinese officials.
The US president also praised Xi’s leadership, saying, “I have such respect for China and the job you’ve done. You’re a great leader. Everybody says you’re a great leader.”
Besides the West Asia war triggered by US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, the meeting also comes amid heightened scrutiny over trade tensions, technology restrictions, Taiwan, and broader strategic competition between the US and China.
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