Xi Jinping Invokes 'Thucydides Trap' in Meeting with Donald Trump
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During a summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping referenced the 'Thucydides Trap' to highlight potential conflicts between rising and established powers, urging the U.S. and China to avoid such a fate.
In a recent summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the concept of the 'Thucydides Trap' during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. This term, derived from the ancient Greek historian Thucydides, describes the tendency toward conflict when a rising power challenges an established one. Xi questioned whether China and the United States could 'transcend the so-called 'Thucydides Trap' and forge a new paradigm for major-power relations.'
The discussion also touched on sensitive issues, notably Taiwan. Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations, warning that mishandling it could lead to conflict.
Despite these warnings, Xi expressed optimism about the potential for cooperation between the two nations. He stated that achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can totally go hand in hand and advance the wellbeing of the whole world.
President Trump responded on social media, noting that Xi had 'very elegantly referred to the United States as perhaps being a declining nation.' He added that two years ago, the U.S. was in decline, but now it is the hottest nation anywhere in the world, expressing hope for stronger and better relations with China.