World3 min(s) read
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.
