"Can we create a bright future for our two countries together?"
"I can say that U.S.-China relations are the best they have ever been."
On May 14, Donald Trump, President of the United States, met with Xi Jinping, President of China, for a summit at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking the second day of Trump's visit to China.
The two leaders began their opening remarks in a cordial atmosphere, exchanging pleasantries. According to China's state broadcaster CCTV, Xi Jinping posed three questions during his opening statement:
"Can the U.S. and China overcome the 'Thucydides Trap' and establish a new paradigm for great power relations? Can we cooperate to address global challenges and bring greater stability to the world? Can we focus on the welfare of our peoples and the future of humanity to create a bright future for our two countries together?" The term 'Thucydides Trap' refers to the potential conflict between a rising power and an established one, emphasizing the need for the U.S. and China to avoid a clash over hegemony.
Xi emphasized that the common interests of the U.S. and China outweigh their differences, stating, "The success of both countries presents opportunities for each other, and a stable U.S.-China relationship benefits the world." He urged that the two nations should maintain a partnership rather than view each other as rivals, achieving mutual success and shared prosperity while paving the right path for great power relations in the new era. He expressed hope that he and Trump could exchange views on major issues affecting both countries and the world, aiming to make 2026 a historic and groundbreaking year for U.S.-China relations.
In response, Trump praised Xi as a "great leader," noting their long-standing personal relationship, which he claimed is the longest of any leaders in U.S.-China history. He expressed his honor in being able to meet again and become friends.
"Our relationship is very good. Even when problems arise, we can quickly find solutions through phone calls," Trump said, adding, "We have a beautiful future ahead of us. I can say that U.S.-China relations are the best they have ever been."
Trump also emphasized the importance of the summit, stating, "This U.S.-China summit is the most significant." He mentioned that his delegation consists of some of the world's greatest entrepreneurs, all of whom respect China and Xi, and he hopes for continued business cooperation.
During the summit, Xi was accompanied by key officials, including Wang Yi, a member of the Central Political Bureau and Foreign Minister, and He Lifeng, Vice Premier of the State Council. On the U.S. side, Trump was flanked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue, among others.
At 10 a.m. local time, Xi and Trump reviewed the honor guard at the East Gate Square of the Great Hall of the People, before proceeding to the meeting venue, where they were greeted by children waving flowers and flags.
CCTV footage captured the summit table adorned with blooming pink and white azaleas. The Singaporean newspaper Lianhe Zaobao noted that the blooming azaleas symbolize luck, happiness, prosperity, resilience, and optimism, interpreting the red and white flowers as a wish for the two countries to create a bright future together in perfect harmony.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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