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Published 10:31 14 May 2026 GMT
Tensions surfaced almost immediately when Donald Trump met with Xi Jinping in Beijing for high-stakes talks covering Taiwan, trade, and the Middle East in May.
Before discussions had even properly begun, an unexpected altercation reportedly broke out among members of a camera crew inside the vast conference hall.
As Trump entered the room to meet Xi, a camera appeared to be knocked to the floor, triggering a brief scuffle. Amid the chaos, someone could reportedly be heard shouting: “Get the f*** out of here.”
The tense moment set the tone for a meeting that quickly highlighted the growing divide between the two global powers, and one that has unfolded since.
During the opening comments, Trump struck a warm and complimentary tone toward the Chinese leader, praising Xi in front of reporters.
“You’re a great leader,” Trump said.
“Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.”
He continued: “It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend,” before confidently predicting that “the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.”
Xi, however, adopted a noticeably more serious tone, issuing warnings about the future of US-China relations, particularly over Taiwan.
According to a statement later shared on X by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, Xi told Trump that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations.”
He reportedly warned that how Washington handles the issue could ultimately lead to 'conflicts.'
Xi also referenced the so-called 'Thucydides Trap,' a theory in international relations suggesting that war often breaks out when a rising global power threatens to overtake an established one.
He questioned 'whether the two countries can transcend the ‘Thucydides Trap’ and forge a new model for relations between major powers.'
“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both,” Xi said.
“The two countries should be partners rather than rivals.”
The contrasting tones between the two leaders underscored how far apart they remain on several major geopolitical issues, including tensions surrounding Taiwan, ongoing trade disputes, and the war involving Iran.
Trump and Xi later held roughly two hours of private talks inside the Great Hall of the People, where they reportedly discussed trade and broader international concerns.
However, despite the grand ceremony and symbolic displays of diplomacy, the summit is already being viewed by some observers as more focused on optics than any major political breakthrough.
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Published 14:51 15 May 2026 GMT
Published 11:34 14 May 2026 GMT
Here's everything that happened in the chaotic moment during Donald Trump's State visit to China, which resulted in someone shouting a profanity in front of the world leaders.
A video from the huge conference room where Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met to speak about a range of geopolitical subjects has done the rounds.
Before the pair had properly taken their seats, an altercation broke out among members of the media inside the venue.
While Trump and Xi would go on to cover topics such as Taiwan, trade, and the Middle East, some became involved in the foul-mouthed exchange as the summit was set to begin.
Body language experts had revealed that the relationship between the leaders was positive, despite some assertive behaviors from both parties.
Trump had entered the Great Hall to begin discussions with Xi, when it could be heard that at least one person behind the camera was not pleased.
Video footage reveals that a camera appeared to be knocked to the ground, with a chaotic scuffle ensuing shortly after.
While the verbal disagreements were ongoing, someone could reportedly be heard saying: “Get the f*** out of here.”
It didn't look like the moment had too much of an effect on the meeting between Trump and Xi, but it was seemingly an indicator of the growing divide between the two nations.
Trump opened discussions by praising his Chinese counterpart, saying in front of reporters: “You’re a great leader,
“Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.”
He continued: “It’s an honor to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend,” claiming that the relationship between China and the USA will "be better than ever before."
Xi would bring up the Thucydides Trap, which is the ancient Greek historian's account of Athens and Sparta, often used when an established power senses danger and feels threatened by a rising civilization.
He asked Trump across the room: "The world has come to a new crossroads. Can China and the US overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new paradigm?"
Xi even chillingly claimed that if Taiwan is 'mishandled,' there may be a clash or conflict between the US and China, negatively affecting the relationship.
According to a statement later shared on X by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, Xi told Trump that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations.”
He further questioned 'whether the two countries can transcend the ‘Thucydides Trap’ and forge a new model for relations between major powers.'
“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both,” Xi said.
“The two countries should be partners rather than rivals.”
The world leaders would then hold private talks, lasting around two hours, in the Great Hall of the People.
Here, they reportedly discussed other topics, such as trade and broader international concerns.
Following the grand ceremony and welcome for Trump, who said it was "an honor like few have ever seen before," the summit isn't being taken too seriously by viewers.
There were some displays of diplomacy and good relationships, but many believe it is just for show, with there being a lack of notable political breakthroughs.
Published 14:58 14 May 2026 GMT
A video of the moment a shouting match erupted during Donald Trump and Xi Jinping's meeting has surfaced online.
The dramatic moment unfolded as Trump entered the room at the Great Hall of the People for high-stakes talks with Xi covering Taiwan, trade, Iran, and wider US-China relations.
Reports previously claimed the chaos began as Trump entered the room to meet Xi, when a camera was apparently knocked to the floor inside the crowded hall, sparking a brief altercation inside the packed hall.
Amid the commotion, someone could reportedly be heard shouting: "Get the f*** out of here."
Now, a longer uncut clip shared by Times Now World appears to show Chinese security guards physically blocking members of the US media pool from entering the room as tensions escalated.
As American journalists pushed forward to cover the opening comments, a confrontation broke out near the doorway while security personnel tried to control access.
At one point, an American woman could reportedly be heard yelling 'White House only' repeatedly as people pushed to get inside.
Despite the disorderly start, Trump struck a warm tone during the meeting.
"You’re a great leader," he told China's leader.
"Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true."
"It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend," he said, adding that 'the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before'.
Xi, however, delivered a far more serious message, reportedly warning Trump about a 'very dangerous situation' surrounding growing tensions between the two countries, particularly over Taiwan.
Per Al Jazeera, Xi told Trump that 'the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,' adding: "If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation."
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly said it would use force if the island formally declared independence or permanently moved beyond Beijing’s control.
Meanwhile, the US officially follows a 'One China' policy while continuing to provide Taiwan with military and political support under the Taiwan Relations Act.
Xi also referenced the so-called 'Thucydides Trap,' a foreign policy theory suggesting war often becomes likely when a rising global power threatens to overtake an established one.
He asked 'whether the two countries can transcend the Thucydides Trap and forge a new model for relations between major powers,' and stated: "Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both."
"The two countries should be partners rather than rivals, achieve success together and pursue common prosperity, and chart a correct path for major-country relations in the new era," he added.
Following the talks, the White House released a statement about the meeting but notably avoided mentioning Taiwan.
Instead, they focused heavily on economic cooperation, energy security, and the Iran conflict.
"President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China," a White House official said.
"The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between our two countries, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into our industries."
"Leaders from many of the United States’ largest companies joined a portion of the meeting," the official added.
The White House also confirmed that the leaders discussed the Strait of Hormuz and agreed that 'Iran can never have a nuclear weapon'.
Published 15:23 14 May 2026 GMT
The state banquet hosted today in Beijing by Chinese President Xi Jinping for US President Donald Trump quickly turned into chaos as a cameraman captured an explosive argument.
However, for once, it wasn’t Trump causing the drama, but someone in the audience.
One of the cameras on the president can be seen shaking aggressively as the operator is told to 'get the f*** out' by the currently unknown person.
Despite the attack, the cameraperson leaves the camera rolling and eventually manages to steady it to continue filming the momentous event.
True to form, Trump was extremely quick to post the footage on his Truth Social account with the caption: “HOT MIC IN CHINA: 'Get the F*CK out of here!' unknown voice says as the press and cameras struggle when President Trump and Xi walk in.”
Throughout the banquet, Jinping talked about how the US and China have kept things stable during their times in charge.
He said: "Today, President Trump and I had in-depth exchanges on China-US relations and the international and regional dynamics.
"We both believe that the China-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world.
"We must make it work and never mess it up.
"Both China and the United States stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals."
Despite the Chinese president suggesting that the two superpowers could 'clash' over the US relationship with Taiwan, Marco Rubio later declared that the US position on the much-disputed island remains 'unchanged'.
The declaration would suggest that America plans to stick to the belief that the self-governing island belongs to China.
For the US, Taiwan is a 'strategic anchor' in the Western Pacific, and if it were to 'abandon' Taiwan, its allies (like Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines) might question whether the US would defend them, potentially collapsing the American-led security architecture in Asia.
Also, symbolically, for the US, supporting Taiwan is a symbolic commitment to defending democratic values against authoritarian expansion and its rival superpower.
Trump, who, rather undiplomatically, spoke about Chinese restaurants in the US, said: "We had an extremely positive and productive conversations and meetings today with the Chinese delegation earlier, and this evening is another cherished opportunity to discuss among friends some of the things that we discussed today."
Published 09:42 14 May 2026 GMT
China's President Xi Jinping welcomed President Donald Trump to Beijing with a warning about a 'very dangerous situation'.
The 79-year-old president arrived in Beijing alongside several major US tech executives, including Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and Apple boss Tim Cook.
The meeting was the first time the two leaders had met face-to-face since the Iran war began on February 28.
A major focus of the talks was Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory.
Beijing has repeatedly said it would use force if Taiwan were to formally declare independence or permanently move outside China’s control.
Meanwhile, the US follows a 'One China' policy, but still provides military and political support to the island under the Taiwan Relations Act.
During the meeting, Xi asked Trump 'whether the two countries can transcend the Thucydides Trap and forge a new model for relations between major powers,' per Yahoo.
The term refers to a foreign policy theory suggesting that war often becomes likely when a rising power threatens to replace an established one.
The idea stems from ancient Greek history and claims that fear and structural pressure make conflict increasingly probable.
"Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both," Xi said.
"The two countries should be partners rather than rivals, achieve success together and pursue common prosperity, and chart a correct path for major-country relations in the new era."
"The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations," he added.
The US president responded far more positively during the summit, openly praising the Chinese president in front of reporters.
"You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true," Trump told Xi.
"It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend," he added before promising that "the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before".
Xi also told American business leaders attending the meeting that the country's 'doors to the outside world will open wider and wider'.
"American companies will enjoy even brighter prospects in China," he added, per The Guardian.
Following the talks, the White House released its own summary of the meeting.
They did not mention Taiwan despite its major role in the Chinese account.
Instead, the American readout focused on the Iran war, energy security, and economic cooperation.
"President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China," the official said, per The Guardian.
"The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between our two countries, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into our industries."
"Leaders from many of the United States’ largest companies joined a portion of the meeting," the official continued.
The White House also confirmed that Trump and Xi discussed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
"The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy," they said.
"President Xi also made clear China’s opposition to the militarisation of the strait and any effort to charge a toll for its use, and he expressed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China’s dependence on the strait in the future.
"Both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," the official added.
Donald Trump revealed that he was asked an unnerving question by Chinese President Xi Jinping, when it came to a highly controversial territory.
Every movement and interaction seems to have been hyper-analyzed by the media during Donald Trump's State visit to China this week, with all eyes on the US leader and President Xi.
A lot has unfolded in the last couple of days, with there seeming to be a scuffle between media outlets from the nations, as an operator was told to 'get the f*** out' in a chaotic video from the venue - all before the leaders sat down to discuss issues.
The heated exchange was caught on camera, with Trump posting the footage on his Truth Social account, captioning the video: “HOT MIC IN CHINA: 'Get the F*CK out of here!' unknown voice says as the press and cameras struggle when President Trump and Xi walk in.”
Body language experts have also looked into the exchanges between Xi and Trump, including what their handshake really meant.
But one of the hottest debated topics was to do with the region of Taiwan, as Xi shot a warning at Trump about how the US will handle ongoing tensions with Taiwan.
It was reported that Trump refused to answer questions about the subject, and he has now commented on these reports.
Trump claimed that he was asked if the US would defend Taiwan if an invasion occurred, adding tension to a concerning situation that may spark World War Three.
The US president admitted that they spoke about several topics, including the fate of Taiwan, during the diplomatic summit in Beijing.
He claimed that he refused to comment on the US's loyalty to Taiwan, following years of Xi's attempts to reunify the island with mainland China by any means necessary.
“There’s only one person that knows that, and it is me,” Trump claimed.
He also claimed that his Chinese counterpart formally asked about how protective he would be over Taiwan, saying: “That question was asked to me today by President Xi. I said, 'I don’t talk about that.'”
Trump told reporters of this conversation, while on Air Force One, claiming that he doesn't believe the Chinese leader wanted to start a conflict over the issue.
China is looking to plan an aggressive attack on Taiwan, increasing military exercises in the South China Sea surrounding Taiwan, as the nation believes it holds claims over the territory.
Taiwan's most important international backer and their weapons supplier is none other than the US, though there are no formal diplomatic ties.
Taipei has warned Beijing that they are ready for a war over the next couple of years, as China continue to intimidate them and act aggressively.
Taiwan's President, Lai Ching-te, announced that he aims to accelerate defence spending by £30.6billion to have a 'high level' of joint combat readiness by 2027.
He accused Xi of forcing his hand in this respect, with Taiwan vastly increasing its military spending over the last decade, though Trump and his administration have asked the island to do more to prepare itself.
Trump left Beijing earlier today, heading back to Washington after a seemingly successful visit.
Xi was not in attendance for Trump's grand farewell, which saw local schoolchildren chanting at him as he boarded Air Force One: “Farewell, farewell. Warm farewell!”
He described the trip as a 'really great couple of days,' pumping his fist at the top of the plane's steps, though he stopped short of making a speech.
Xi called the occasion a 'milestone visit,' adding: “We have established a new bilateral relationship, or rather a constructive, strategic, stable relationship.”
The President presented Xi with a peculiar question in the middle of their discussions at the exclusive Zhongnanhai gardens in Beijing.
Trump asked Xi through translators: “Can I ask the President: With other dignitaries from other countries, presidents or prime ministers, does he bring them here?”
Xi replied: “Very few. We usually don’t hold diplomatic events here.
"Even after we started having some, it’s still extremely rare. For example, Putin.”
Clearly pleased by the answer, Trump responded: “Good. I like it.”
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