US President Donald Trump on Thursday praised China during a visit to the historic Temple of Heaven in Beijing, describing the country as “beautiful” amid his ongoing state visit.
Trump’s visit to the landmark came ahead of high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, where both leaders discussed trade, regional security and the future direction of China-US relations.
During the meeting, Xi said the world was facing changes “not seen in a century,” while describing the global situation as increasingly unstable and uncertain.
The Chinese leader questioned whether China and the United States could avoid the “Thucydides Trap” — a concept referring to potential conflict between a rising power and an established global power.
“Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new paradigm of major-country relations? Can we meet global challenges together and provide greater stability for the world?” Xi said.
Xi said he hoped both countries could work together to make 2026 a “historic” year for bilateral ties.
He also announced that both leaders had agreed on what he described as a “constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability.”
According to Xi, the framework would focus on cooperation, manageable competition and maintaining long-term peace between the two countries.
On economic relations, Xi described China-US trade ties as mutually beneficial and said disputes should be addressed through equal consultation.
He revealed that the latest round of bilateral trade talks had produced “generally balanced and positive outcomes.”
Xi also stated that China would continue opening its economy further and welcomed greater involvement from American businesses.
The Chinese president further called for stronger communication in political, diplomatic and military fields, as well as expanded cooperation in trade, agriculture, tourism, health and law enforcement.
Taiwan emerged as one of the most sensitive issues discussed during the meeting.
Xi warned that Taiwan remained the “most important issue” in China-US relations, stating that mishandling the matter could lead to “clashes and even conflicts” between the two countries.
He reiterated Beijing’s position that “Taiwan independence” and peace across the Taiwan Strait were incompatible.
Trump, meanwhile, described it as a “great honour” to visit China and praised Xi as a “great leader.”
“I have tremendous respect for President Xi and the Chinese people,” Trump said.
The US president also expressed willingness to strengthen cooperation with Beijing while properly managing differences between the two countries.
Trump said both nations, as major global powers, could “do a lot of big and good things” for the world.
He additionally encouraged American businesses to expand cooperation and investment opportunities in China.
Beyond bilateral issues, both leaders exchanged views on several international matters, including the Middle East conflict, the war in Ukraine and developments on the Korean Peninsula.
The two countries also agreed to support each other in hosting this year’s APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and G20 Summit.
Trump’s China visit is being closely watched internationally as Washington and Beijing attempt to stabilise ties following years of trade tensions, technology disputes and growing geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region. (Source: Xinhua and News syndicate)
