During the second day of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day visit to the United States, US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart appeared to set aside major sources of friction between the two nations. The leaders met at the White House, with Trump describing the encounter as a “great meeting” aimed at fostering dialogue despite significant disagreements on issues ranging from Iran and Taiwan to artificial intelligence and trade.
Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, Trump stated, “From the time of my first election in 2016, President Xi and I have forged a friendship, a truly great friendship, actually, built on mutual respect and the vital interests of our people.” While the initial phase of Trump’s return to the White House was marked by severe tariffs that triggered a trade war, both leaders have since sought to reduce tensions and strengthen personal connections, even as core disputes remain unresolved.
Xi Jinping addressed the historical risk of conflict between a rising power and an established one, urging both nations to avoid the so-called “Thucydides Trap.” He characterized the relationship as a race of mutual advancement rather than a zero-sum struggle, noting that the two countries are deeply interconnected and should engage in competition that remains “healthy” and within acceptable bounds.
However, the shadow of the US-led war on Iran, initiated in February alongside Israel, loomed over the discussions. The conflict has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a spike in global energy prices. Although Trump has pressed Beijing to support efforts to economically isolate Tehran and reopen the vital waterway, China—which serves as Iran’s primary trading partner—has been reluctant to get involved. No breakthroughs were reported during the talks, though Xi expressed support for a return to the interim agreement that collapsed after its announcement in June.
The lavish nature of Xi’s visit drew criticism from some US lawmakers across the political spectrum. Republican Senator Roger Wicker argued that the president should not have extended such a grand welcome given the troubling actions of the Chinese Communist Party. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen similarly criticized Trump’s approach, suggesting the president is misguided in believing that ingratiating himself with authoritarian leaders yields results. Conversely, Republican Senator Rand Paul praised the engagement, posting on social media, “Diplomacy is key… Talk more, war less.”
Taiwan remained a focal point of contention, with state news agency Xinhua reporting that Xi urged Trump to oppose Taiwanese independence and handle the matter prudently. This follows Trump’s May decision to delay final approval of a $14 billion arms package for Taipei, which he described as a negotiating lever. The transactional approach has frustrated some in Washington who view military aid to Taiwan as a fundamental commitment. Public opinion in the US reflects this complexity; a recent Economist/YouGov poll indicated that Americans are nearly split on whether to prioritize relations with Beijing or prevent China from seizing Taiwan, with less than 40 percent supporting the use of military force to defend the island.
Xi mentioning the Thucydides Trap shows they know the risk. But ignoring the Strait of Hormuz closure seems like a major oversight for global energy markets.
It is interesting that they call it a race of mutual advancement. With tariffs still in place, that sounds more like managed competition than true stability.