Superpower summit focuses on strategic stability, economic cooperation and managing differences
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday expressed optimism about the future of Sino-US relations. saying he hoped to work with United States President Donald Trump to make 2026 “a historic, landmark year” for ties between the two powers.
“I look forward to working together with you to set the course. steer the giant ship of China-US relations, so as to make 2026 a historic, landmark year that opens up a new chapter in China-US relations,” Xi said during talks at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
Trump responded warmly, praising the Chinese leader. saying it was “an honour to be your friend,” while expressing hope that the US and China would have “a fantastic future together.”
Referring to rapid geopolitical shifts, Xi said “transformations unseen in a century” were accelerating globally. described the international environment as “fluid and turbulent.”
He questioned whether China. the US could avoid the “Thucydides Trap,” jointly address global challenges and build a stable relationship that would benefit both nations and the wider world.
“These are the questions of our times that leaders of major countries must answer together,” Xi said. He added that he. Trump had agreed on a “new vision” for a constructive China-US relationship based on strategic stability.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump visited the Temple of Heaven in Beijing on Thursday."Incredible. China is beautiful," said Trump after arriving at the Temple of Heaven.pic.twitter.com/gsDvhxo5FP
According to Xi, this framework should combine cooperation, manageable competition, controlled differences and a long-term commitment to peace. He stressed that building such a relationship should not remain a slogan. must be reflected in concrete actions by both sides.
Xi described China-US economic ties as mutually beneficial. said “equal-footed consultation” was the only proper way to resolve disagreements and trade frictions.
He revealed that the latest round of bilateral trade talks had produced “generally balanced. positive outcomes,” calling the results “good news” for both countries and the wider world.
The Chinese president also reaffirmed that China would continue opening its economy. welcomed greater participation by American businesses, urging both sides to strengthen communication through political, diplomatic and military channels, while expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, law enforcement and people-to-people exchanges.
On Taiwan, Xi described the issue as the most sensitive matter in China-US relations, warning that mishandling it could lead to confrontation. jeopardise overall ties.
He said safeguarding peace. stability across the Taiwan Strait was in the common interest of both countries, stressing that “Taiwan independence” and regional peace were “as irreconcilable as fire and water.”
Trump described it as “a great honour” to pay a state visit to China, calling Xi “a great leader”. China “a great country.” He said he had “tremendous respect” for both Xi and the Chinese people and expressed willingness to strengthen communication, expand cooperation and properly manage differences.
“The US. China are the most important and most powerful countries in the world,” Trump said, adding that the two leaders could “do a lot of big and good things” for both nations and the international community. He also encouraged American businesses to deepen cooperation with China.
The two leaders exchanged views on several global. regional issues, including the Middle East, the Ukraine conflict and the Korean Peninsula. They also agreed to support each other in hosting this year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and G20 Summit.
According to the White House, Xi. Trump also discussed the Strait of Hormuz and agreed it must remain open to ensure the free flow of energy supplies. A White House statement said Xi opposed the militarisation of the strategic waterway. expressed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China’s dependence on the route in the future.
Both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.pic.twitter.com/7hYMIBoTZY
The statement did not mention Taiwan, focusing instead on the Iran conflict and energy security. A White House official said both sides agreed that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon”. highlighted ongoing cooperation to curb the flow of fentanyl precursors into the US, as well as efforts to increase Chinese imports of American agricultural products.
Later. Xi hosted a banquet for Trump at the Great Hall of the People before accompanying him to Beijing’s Temple of Heaven. Xi explained the historical significance of the site, where Chinese emperors once prayed for prosperity, social harmony and favourable harvests.
“It reflects the traditional Chinese concept that the people are the foundation of a state,. only when the foundation is solid will the state be stable,” Xi said, adding that the Communist Party of China had carried forward this people-centred philosophy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping. US President Donald Trump have a photo taken in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests while visiting the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, capital of China on May 14, 2026. Photo: Xinhua
Xi later met American business leaders accompanying Trump on the visit. Trump introduced the executives individually and encouraged them to expand operations in China.
The business representatives said they valued the Chinese market. hoped to deepen cooperation, while Xi reiterated that China’s doors would “only open wider” to foreign investment and business engagement.
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