World4 min(s) read
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.
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