Trump Praises Chinese President as 'Great Leader' as Xi Jinping Urges US to Be Partner, Not Rival
Trump praised Xi Jinping as a great leader during their bilateral meeting, but China's president warned that mishandling Taiwan could spark conflict between the two nations.
US President Donald Trump told Chinese President Xi Jinping it was 'a great honor to be your friend' during a highly-publicized bilateral meeting, while China's leader warned of potential conflicts between the two nations. The stark differences in tone reveal the two leaders remain far apart on sensitive issues including the Iran war, trade disputes, and US relations with Taiwan. Though the meeting was closed-door, China's Xinhua news agency reported that Xi warned Trump that mishandling the Taiwan question could lead to clashes and conflicts that would jeopardize the entire relationship.
These warnings came after Trump's public opening remarks at the Great Hall of the People, where he praised Xi lavishly. 'You are a great leader. Sometimes people may not like me saying this, but I will say it because it is the truth. It is a great honor to be with you. It is a great honor to be your friend,' Trump said, adding that 'the relationship between China and the United States will be better than it has ever been.'
While Trump's tone was upbeat, Xi took a more cautious stance, expressing hope that the two nations could avoid conflict. The world is asking whether the two countries can overcome what Xi called the 'Thucydides Trap'—the concept that conflict often arises when a rising power threatens an established one.
Xi emphasized that cooperation benefits both sides while confrontation endangers both. 'The two countries should be partners, not rivals. Work together to achieve success, pursue common prosperity, and chart the right course for the relationship between two great powers in a new era,' Xi stressed.
