Chinese president greets Trump with ominous warning over 'very dangerous situation'
Chinese President Xi Jinping has issued a warning to Donald Trump about the risk of war between the two nations.
The US president is in Beijing to talk about the war in Iran, trade disputes and Washington’s relationship with Taiwan, where he is reportedly joined by major tech CEOs, including Elon Musk, Nvidia boss Jensen Huang and Apple head Tim Cook.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has said it would use force if Taiwan formally declared independence or moved permanently out of Beijing’s reach.
America, meanwhile, follows a 'One China' policy, but also supports Taiwan militarily and politically under the Taiwan Relations Act.
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The risk of war would heighten if China attempted a blockade or invasion of Taiwan.
To avoid conflict, Xi asked Trump 'whether the two countries can transcend the Thucydides Trap and forge a new model for relations between major powers'.
The term, used in foreign policy studies, refers to the idea that when a rising power threatens to displace an established power, the result is often war.
The Thucydides Trap is a theory coined from ancient Greek history, suggesting fear and structural stress make conflict probable.
“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both,” Xi said prior to their meeting at the Great Hall of the People.
“The two countries should be partners rather than rivals, achieve success together and pursue common prosperity, and chart a correct path for major-country relations in the new era.”
“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” he added.
Trump was a lot more positive about the meetup, telling Xi: “You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.”
“It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend,” he added before promising that 'the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before'.
“China’s doors to the outside world will open wider and wider... American companies will enjoy even brighter prospects in China,” Xi said.
With Trump also joined by the US' top CEOs, he echoed in a post on Truth Social that he 'will be asking President Xi, a Leader of extraordinary distinction, to open up China so that these brilliant people can work their magic, and help bring the People's Republic to an even higher level'.
The meeting marked the first time the two leaders have come face-to-face since the Iran war began on 28 February.
Topics: Donald Trump, China
Anish Vij