Beijing, May 14,2026: Chinese President Xi Jinping and United States President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed optimism about the future of China-US relations, pledging to strengthen cooperation and maintain strategic stability amid growing global challenges.
Speaking during talks at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi said he looked forward to working closely with President Trump to make 2026 “a historic, landmark year” for bilateral ties.
“I look forward to working together with you to set the course and steer the giant ship of China-US relations,” Xi said, adding that the two countries must work jointly to address global uncertainty and avoid confrontation.
President Trump responded warmly, calling it “an honour” to be Xi’s friend and expressing confidence in “a fantastic future” for relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Xi described the current international environment as “fluid and turbulent,” saying the world was undergoing “transformations unseen in a century.”
He raised concerns about whether China and the United States could avoid the so-called “Thucydides Trap” — a term used to describe the risk of conflict between rising and established powers — and emphasized the need for cooperation on global challenges.
“These are the questions of our times that leaders of major countries must answer together,” Xi remarked.
According to the Chinese president, both leaders had agreed on a “new vision” for bilateral relations based on strategic stability, constructive engagement, manageable competition, and long-term peace.
Xi stressed that such principles must be translated into practical actions rather than remain symbolic statements.
The Chinese president described economic ties between the two countries as mutually beneficial and said “equal-footed consultation” remained the best way to resolve trade disputes and differences.
Xi revealed that the latest round of bilateral trade negotiations had produced “generally balanced and positive outcomes,” which he described as beneficial not only for China and the US but also for the wider global economy.
He reaffirmed that China would continue opening its economy and welcomed greater participation by American companies in Chinese markets.
Both leaders discussed expanding cooperation in sectors including trade, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, law enforcement, and people-to-people exchanges.
President Trump also encouraged American businesses accompanying him on the visit to deepen their engagement with China.
On the issue of Taiwan, Xi described it as the most sensitive matter in China-US relations and warned that mishandling the issue could damage bilateral ties and increase regional tensions.
He stated that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait were in the shared interest of both countries, while reiterating Beijing’s opposition to Taiwanese independence.
The two leaders also exchanged views on global issues including the Middle East, the Ukraine conflict, and the Korean Peninsula.
According to the White House, Xi and Trump additionally discussed the Strait of Hormuz and agreed that the vital waterway must remain open to ensure uninterrupted global energy supplies.
A White House statement said Xi opposed the militarization of the strategic route and expressed interest in increasing imports of American oil to reduce dependence on the route in the future.
Following the talks, President Xi hosted a state banquet for President Trump at the Great Hall of the People before accompanying him to the Temple of Heaven.
During the visit, Xi explained the historical and cultural significance of the site, saying it symbolized prosperity, harmony, and people-centered governance in Chinese tradition.
Xi later met a group of American business leaders traveling with President Trump. The business representatives expressed interest in expanding operations in China, while Xi reiterated that China’s doors would “only open wider” to foreign investment and international business cooperation.
