Xi warns Trump of 'dangerous' confrontation risk over Taiwan

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing on Thursday (May 14), using the occasion to raise the concept of the "Thucydides Trap" and warn about the risks of a confrontation between the two powers if the Taiwan issue is not handled properly. Xi told Trump that Taiwan is the most important topic in China-U.S. relations and that mishandling it would lead to a "very dangerous" situation. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People, where Trump was welcomed with a military parade and a presentation by Chinese children holding flags of both countries. During the public portion of the meeting, both leaders struck a positive tone. Trump described his relationship with Xi as "fantastic" and said bilateral ties "will be better than ever," while Xi stated that the two countries have more common interests than differences and should be "partners, not rivals." Xi proposed building a "constructive, strategic and stable" relationship to guide bilateral ties over the next three years and beyond, with expanded cooperation in trade, agriculture, health, tourism, and law enforcement. Xi also announced that China will further open its doors to American businesses. Trump called the encounter "an honor like few" he has experienced and expressed belief in a positive future for cooperation between the two powers. The Thucydides Trap concept, which Xi referenced multiple times, describes the risk of war when an emerging power challenges a dominant one. The term was inspired by Greek historian Thucydides' analysis of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta in the 5th century B.C., and was popularized by American political scientist Graham T. Allison in the context of U.S.-China rivalry. Taiwan remains one of the main points of tension between the two powers, with China considering the island part of its territory while the United States works to guarantee its autonomy. In recent years, the United States has supplied weapons to Taiwan, angering Beijing, which has responded by expanding its military presence around the island. Trump had said Monday he intended to discuss the topic directly with Xi.