Xi Jinping addresses Thucydides trap during meeting with Donald Trump

During a high-level meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping referenced the 'Thucydides trap' while hosting U.S. President Donald Trump. This term, coined by Harvard political scientist Graham T. Allison, describes the historical tendency toward conflict when an emerging power threatens an established ruling power. Xi emphasized that both nations are at a crossroads and face a global situation marked by significant instability and rapid change. He questioned whether the two countries could cooperate to manage global challenges and establish a new, stable model of bilateral relations. The discussion highlighted the intense economic and geopolitical competition currently defining the relationship between Washington and Beijing. Both leaders discussed their shared responsibility as heads of major powers to avoid conflict and promote global stability. No specific policy agreements were detailed in these excerpts, but the dialogue underscored the strategic importance of avoiding systemic rivalry.