Trump Offers Platitudes While Xi Warns Of Possible Confrontation

Beijing : Chinese leader Xi Jinping issued stern warnings on Thursday about avoiding possible conflict between his country and the United States, even warning visiting President Donald Trump that the way Washington handles its relations with Taiwan could lead to “conflicts.”

His tone was in sharp contrast to Trump, who kicked off the highly anticipated summit with Xi by praising his Chinese counterpart and saying “it’s an honor to be your friend.”

He underlined how far leaders remain on thorny issues such as the war in Iran, trade disputes and Taiwan, and suggested Trump’s three-day visit to China will likely be more about pageantry and symbolism than big bilateral breakthroughs.

The two met behind closed doors in the Great Hall of the People for nearly two hours and discussed trade and other matters. According to a statement published on X by Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Mao Ning, Xi told Trump that “the Taiwan issue is the most important issue in China-US relations.”

“If managed correctly, the bilateral relationship will generally stabilize. Otherwise, there will be clashes and even clashes between the two countries, which will put the entire relationship in great danger,” he wrote.

This followed a brief public debate before the meeting began, in which Trump told Xi platitudes: “You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like it when I say it, but I say it anyway because it’s true.”

“It’s an honor to be with you. It’s an honor to be your friend,” Trump said, promising that “relations between China and the United States will be better than ever.”

Xi took a darker tone in his opening speech, expressing hope that the United States and China could avoid conflict and asking “whether the two countries can overcome the ‘Thucydides Trap’ and create a new model for relations between great powers.”

He used a term popular in foreign policy studies, referring to the idea that when a rising power threatens to displace an established power, the result is often war.

“Cooperation benefits both sides, while conflict harms both sides,” Xi said. “The two countries should be partners, not rivals”

Xi has previously mentioned the “Thucydides Trap” regarding US-China relations, dating back to 2014.

Sharp comments came after the detailed welcome ceremony

Before the meeting, Trump was welcomed with an elaborate ceremony that included exploding cannons, the “Star-Spangled Banner” and an orchestra playing the Chinese national anthem.

Hundreds of school children jumped up and down to greet Trump and Xi as they passed, girls waving flowers and boys hoisting American and Chinese flags.

Following the meeting, the leaders visited the Temple of Heaven, a 15th-century religious complex. Trump was later scheduled to attend a state banquet with Xi.

Taiwan issues still controversial

Xi’s warning about Taiwan reflects China’s displeasure with US plans to sell arms to the island. The Trump administration has approved an $11 billion arms package for Taiwan but has not yet begun to deliver on it. Trump has also demonstrated greater ambivalence toward Taiwan, an approach that has raised questions about whether he could roll back support for the island democracy.

Trump did not immediately comment on what was said during the closed portion of the meeting. However, Xi said that he and Trump agreed to establish a “constructive, strategic and stable” new direction for US-China relations, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

Taiwan, meanwhile, said it was grateful for Washington’s “long-term support.”

“The government views as positive all actions that contribute to regional stability and the management of potential risks from authoritarian expansion,” Michelle Lee, a spokeswoman for Taiwan’s prime minister, told reporters. He added that the United States “has repeatedly reiterated its firm and unequivocal position of support for Taiwan.”

US hopes for gains on trade

The White House has insisted that Trump will not make the trip without considering securing results before he leaves, and has suggested that trade-related announcements may be coming. This could include China committing to buying U.S. soybeans, beef and aircraft. Trump administration officials also want to work toward establishing a Board of Trade with China to address trade differences between the countries.

But neither side has yet offered concrete details about what might emerge from Trump’s visit, at a time when Beijing’s close economic ties with Iran could complicate matters.

While leaders discussed trade at the meeting, Xi said China’s door of opportunity will open wider and wider. Xi also met with a group of US businessmen who accompanied Trump to China.

The United States and China reached a trade truce last year that ended threats by both sides to impose high tariffs on each other. The White House said there are ongoing discussions and mutual interest in extending the agreement.

George Chen, a partner at consultancy firm The Asia Group, said Xi had clearly revealed his “red line” regarding Taiwan. But Chen said Xi also signaled a welcoming tone on the economic front and a desire to reassure U.S. business that China is a place where profits can flow.

Economic questions raised by the Iran war remain unclear

Trump’s visit comes as Iran continues to dominate its domestic agenda, fueling fears of a weakening of the US economy as the election season heats up ahead of the November midterm elections in which Republicans will seek to retain control of Congress.

The US and Israel’s war in Iran has threatened global economic growth by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, stranding oil and gas tankers, and soaring energy prices.

China is the largest buyer of Iranian oil, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that Trump will provide justification for Beijing to use its influence on Iran, noting that administration officials will highlight that “economies are melting down because of this crisis,” which means consumers are “buying less Chinese products.”

This contrasted with Trump, who played down suggestions that he would ask Xi to pressure Iran to open the strait and even told reporters that concerns about the US economy would not affect his approach to Iran.