After President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, the White House said that both the US and China agreed that Iran cannot control the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a blow to Iran's longtime support from China. However, China also warned that the US should avoid creating the "Thucydides trap" between the two countries, an ancient Greek term that references when two rival powers are pushed into war.
"President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China. The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between our two countries, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into our industries. Leaders from many of the United States' largest companies joined a portion of the meeting. The Presidents also highlighted the need to build on progress in ending the flow of fentanyl precursors into the United States, as well as increasing Chinese purchases of American agricultural products," the White House said in a statement on the meeting.
"The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy. President Xi also made clear China's opposition to the militarization of the Strait and any effort to charge a toll for its use, and he expressed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China's dependence on the Strait in the future. Both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," the statement added.
Absent from the White House statement was any mention of Taiwan. Going into the meeting, Trump had said that he would be discussing an arms deal with Taiwan with the Chinese president, something Xi would be opposed to. When Trump was asked about the US' support for Taiwan defense, Trump said, “President Xi would like us not to, and I’ll have that discussion. That’s one of the many things I’ll be talking about."
After initial talks took place, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning gave a statement on Thursday. “President Xi stressed to President Trump that facts have shown time and again that trade wars have no winner,” Mao said in a statement on X. “China-U.S. economic and trade ties are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature. Where disagreements and frictions exist, equal-footed consultation is the only right choice.”
However, the Ministry of Public Affairs said that Xi warned of the "Thucydides Trap" during the meeting that may come between the US and China. “The world has come to another crossroads,” the statement read. “Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new paradigm of major-country relations? Can we meet global challenges together and provide greater stability for the world? Can we build a bright future together for our bilateral relations in the interest of the well-being of the two peoples and the future of humanity?”
The statement later said Xi warned of "clashes and even conflicts" if the US does not handle the situation with Taiwan how China would like.
"President Xi stressed that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy. 'Taiwan independence' and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. Safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the U.S. The U.S. side must exercise extra caution in handling the Taiwan question," Mao added.
"President Trump had a good meeting with President Xi of China. The two sides discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation between our two countries, including expanding market access for American businesses into China and increasing Chinese investment into our industries. Leaders from many of the United States' largest companies joined a portion of the meeting. The Presidents also highlighted the need to build on progress in ending the flow of fentanyl precursors into the United States, as well as increasing Chinese purchases of American agricultural products," the White House said in a statement on the meeting.
"The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to support the free flow of energy. President Xi also made clear China's opposition to the militarization of the Strait and any effort to charge a toll for its use, and he expressed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China's dependence on the Strait in the future. Both countries agreed that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon," the statement added.
Absent from the White House statement was any mention of Taiwan. Going into the meeting, Trump had said that he would be discussing an arms deal with Taiwan with the Chinese president, something Xi would be opposed to. When Trump was asked about the US' support for Taiwan defense, Trump said, “President Xi would like us not to, and I’ll have that discussion. That’s one of the many things I’ll be talking about."
After initial talks took place, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning gave a statement on Thursday. “President Xi stressed to President Trump that facts have shown time and again that trade wars have no winner,” Mao said in a statement on X. “China-U.S. economic and trade ties are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature. Where disagreements and frictions exist, equal-footed consultation is the only right choice.”
However, the Ministry of Public Affairs said that Xi warned of the "Thucydides Trap" during the meeting that may come between the US and China. “The world has come to another crossroads,” the statement read. “Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new paradigm of major-country relations? Can we meet global challenges together and provide greater stability for the world? Can we build a bright future together for our bilateral relations in the interest of the well-being of the two peoples and the future of humanity?”
The statement later said Xi warned of "clashes and even conflicts" if the US does not handle the situation with Taiwan how China would like.
"President Xi stressed that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy. 'Taiwan independence' and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. Safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the U.S. The U.S. side must exercise extra caution in handling the Taiwan question," Mao added.
