Xi Jinping proposes cooperation framework to avert US-China military clash during White House summit
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Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined a set of confidence-building measures, including expanded dialogue and student exchanges, aimed at reducing the risk of conflict with the United States as both nations compete over AI and trade.
Chinese President Xi Jinping used the opening of his White House summit with President Donald Trump to present a series of proposals intended to lower the risk of a military confrontation between the two powers. He cited the "Thucydides trap" – the historical pattern where a rising state and an established one clash – and said that regular military communication and crisis-prevention mechanisms could help avoid it.
"We should strengthen communication. China and the United States are different in national conditions, but through candid, in-depth and continued dialog, our two countries can understand each other better, seek common ground while shelving differences, and build up mutual trust," Xi told Trump.
Xi added that the two nations should "coexist in peace" and suggested inviting 100,000 young Americans to China for student exchanges as part of broader confidence-building steps. He referenced the need for both sides to benefit from cooperation rather than confrontation.
Trump welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, noting the visit coincided with the 250th anniversary of the United States. He said the two leaders had forged a strong personal rapport and that their teams were working toward a more balanced trade relationship, including greater market access for American farmers.
The leaders were scheduled to discuss security, technology and artificial intelligence, with Trump referring to AI as "super intelligence" in a recent United Nations address. Analysts, however, expressed doubt that the talks would produce lasting agreements, pointing to ongoing U.S. export controls on advanced chips and the extension of a tariff truce that is set to expire in February.
The meeting followed a formal welcome ceremony that featured both national anthems and a brief exchange of remarks before bilateral talks began.