International Desk: Chinese President Xi Jinping held high-level talks with visiting U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where the two leaders exchanged views on bilateral ties and major international and regional issues, including the Middle East situation, the Ukraine crisis and developments on the Korean Peninsula.

During the meeting, President Xi said the world is experiencing profound changes amid growing uncertainty and instability in the international landscape. He raised key questions about whether China and the United States can overcome the so-called “Thucydides Trap,” establish a new model for relations between major powers, jointly address global challenges and contribute greater stability to the world.

Xi noted that these are questions posed not only by history, but also by the international community and people across the globe, and said leaders of major powers must provide the answers together. He expressed his readiness to work closely with President Trump to guide China-U.S. relations toward a brighter future and make 2026 a historic and transformative year for bilateral ties.

The Chinese president reaffirmed China’s commitment to promoting stable, healthy and sustainable relations with the United States. He said both sides had agreed to establish “a constructive, strategic and stable relationship between China and the United States” as the new framework guiding bilateral relations over the coming years and beyond.

Xi further emphasized that the essence of China-U.S. economic and trade relations lies in mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, adding that equal and respectful dialogue remains the only effective way to resolve differences and disagreements.

On the Taiwan issue, Xi described it as the most important and sensitive matter in China-U.S. relations. He warned that if mishandled, the issue could trigger confrontation or even conflict between the two countries, potentially pushing bilateral ties into a dangerous situation. He stressed that “Taiwan independence” is fundamentally incompatible with peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and urged the United States to approach the matter with the utmost caution.

President Trump, in his remarks, said he felt deeply honored to pay a state visit to China and praised the current state of U.S.-China relations. He said he and President Xi had established one of the strongest and longest-lasting relationships between leaders of the two nations, maintaining close communication and resolving numerous important issues together.

Trump described Xi Jinping as “a great leader” and China as “a great country,” expressing deep respect for both President Xi and the Chinese people. He said the Beijing summit had attracted global attention and described it as a highly significant meeting.

The U.S. president also expressed his willingness to strengthen communication and cooperation with China, properly manage differences and work toward building what he called “the best U.S.-China relationship in history.” He added that cooperation between the world’s two largest economies could generate substantial benefits for both countries and the wider international community.

Trump further noted that he had brought prominent representatives of the American business community with him during the visit, saying they highly value cooperation with China and are eager to expand economic engagement with Chinese partners.

The two leaders also exchanged views on major international and regional issues, including the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula. In addition, both sides agreed to support each other in successfully hosting this year’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Summit.

During the meeting, President Trump introduced accompanying American business leaders to President Xi one by one. Earlier in the day, Xi Jinping hosted a grand welcoming ceremony in honor of President Trump at the East Gate Square of the Great Hall of the People.

Lily–Touhid–Anandi, China Media Group