Optimistic Coverage of Trump-Xi Meeting by Chinese State Media
Chinese state media had a generally positive take on Thursday’s talks between President Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The Global Times described their visit to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing as “a new historic step in China-US relations.”
Highlighting the “rapid pace” of Trump’s visit, Xi expressed satisfaction that the President managed to find time in his hectic schedule for this significant stop. He elaborated on the “deep symbolic weight” of the Temple, noting that it represents “the traditional Chinese concept that the people are the foundation of the nation.”
The Temple plays a notable role even in the sphere of Chinese diplomacy; former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has made numerous visits and is quite fond of the site. Many Chinese reports on Trump and Xi’s stroll through the grounds mentioned Kissinger’s substantial number of visits, almost to the point where one could imagine popcorn shaped like his head if it were an American tourist spot.
During detailed discussions at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Xi seemed hopeful about the possibility of the US and China sidestepping the so-called “Thucydides Trap.” He spoke of a potential bright future for their bilateral relationship, emphasizing the well-being of both their peoples and humanity as a whole.
However, I noticed that this comment from Xi felt important but somewhat nebulous. While in the past, I was skeptical about the possibility of avoiding this historical entrapment, hearing Xi’s optimism add a curious twist.
Thucydides, an ancient Greek historian, documented the Peloponnesian War—a conflict marked by fears of rising powers leading to inevitable wars. Graham Allison, a political scientist at Harvard, has argued that the pattern of established powers clashing with challengers indicates that violence often stems from fear, making conflicts more likely.
Allison has noted that in the last fifty years, out of 17 instances where established powers faced challengers, 12 ended in major military confrontations. Although he himself didn’t think war between the US and China was a given, many who lean on his work seem to feel that both nations might not be able to go the extra mile required to avoid engagement.
Interestingly, Xi, who once shared similar pessimistic views, appeared more cheerful during Trump’s visit, opting to focus on the bright side rather than the clouds of concern that had previously surrounded him.
Yet, some observers not influenced by state media remain skeptical about whether Xi has genuinely shifted his viewpoint. For instance, CBS News analyst Aaron McLean remarked that Xi’s hopeful rhetoric might, in fact, mask a subtle warning or perhaps even a threat.
According to McLean, the official summit statement lacked any indication of a significant change in China’s approach. It stressed that if the Taiwan situation isn’t “properly handled,” the relationship could very well lead to conflict—a stark warning, indeed.
He also pointed out that Trump didn’t offer any substantial concessions to mitigate the risks of the Thucydides Trap. Furthermore, Allison reiterated that real progress would require existing powers to make significant concessions, making it clear why such ideas might appeal more strongly in Beijing than in Washington.
The Global Times celebrated the apparent success of the Trump-Xi summit, underscoring Trump’s praise for Xi and framing their dialogue as focused on “business” matters, unburdened by more serious considerations.
Additionally, the Chinese outlet noted that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, known for his anti-communist stance, also agreed that “world stability is clearly in everyone’s interest.”
Xinhua, China’s state news agency, conveyed that Trump and Xi shared a pleasant rapport and recognized the significance of stability and cooperation.
“While President Trump aims to make America great again, I am committed to leading the Chinese people toward national rejuvenation,” Xi remarked, seemingly knowing that Trump appreciates hearing other leaders echo his “Make America Great Again” slogan.
In a subsequent editorial, the Global Times lauded both leaders for presenting “a new vision for bilateral relations” aligned with the idea that “the people are the foundation of the nation,” drawing parallels between the MAGA slogan and the Temple of Heaven’s symbolism.
While the editorial praised their mutual focus on “stability” multiple times, it stayed vague about the exact implications. It hinted that stability heavily revolves around Taiwan’s status being seen as under China’s control.
Commenting on this, Diao Daming, a professor at Renmin University, highlighted that the US’s National Security Strategy from November 2025 positioned preventing conflict over Taiwan as a priority, suggesting a desire to avert a crisis that could force the US into an unwanted war.
The White House’s strategy further stated a commitment to deter conflicts, maintain military strength, and resist unilateral changes concerning Taiwan. This approach, however, seems somewhat at odds with Diao’s vision of stability.
In summary, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Trump’s visit and Xi’s discussions laid the groundwork for a “strategically stable and constructive” Sino-US relationship over the next three years, aiming to foster peace, prosperity, and progress worldwide.
They emphasized that exchanges between the two presidents fostered mutual understanding and trust, while also bringing necessary stability and certainty to global affairs, reiterating the view that US-China relations had grown more “stable” since Air Force One’s arrival in Beijing.
