On the morning of May 14, President Xi Jinping held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, who was on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

President Xi Jinping holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the morning of May 14.
President Xi Jinping holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the morning of May 14.

Xi noted that the world is undergoing rapid transformation, with international situations becoming increasingly complex and volatile. He posed key questions: Can China and the U.S. avoid the “Thucydides Trap” and create a new model for major-country relations? Can they work together to address global challenges and bring more stability to the world? Can they focus on the well-being of their peoples and the future of humanity to jointly create a bright future for bilateral relations? These are questions of history, the world, and the people, and also a test for leaders of major countries to write a new chapter for the era. He expressed his willingness to steer the ship of China-U.S. relations together with President Trump, making 2026 a historic and landmark year for the relationship.

Xi emphasized that China is committed to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations. He and President Trump agreed to define a “China-U.S. constructive strategic stability relationship” as the new orientation for bilateral ties, providing strategic guidance for the next three years and beyond. He believed this would be welcomed by both peoples and the international community. “Constructive strategic stability” should be positive stability focused on cooperation, benign stability with measured competition, normal stability with manageable differences, and lasting stability with peace in sight. This new relationship is not just a slogan but requires concrete actions taken in the same direction.

Xi pointed out that the essence of China-U.S. economic and trade relations is mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. In the face of differences and friction, equal consultation is the only correct choice. The trade teams from both countries achieved balanced and positive outcomes yesterday, which is good news for the people of both nations and the world. Both sides should work together to maintain this hard-won momentum. China’s door will only open wider, and U.S. companies are deeply involved in China’s reform and opening-up. China welcomes the U.S. to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Xi stated that both sides should implement the important consensus reached, further utilize political, diplomatic, and military communication channels, and expand exchanges and cooperation in areas such as trade, health, agriculture, tourism, culture, and law enforcement.

Xi stressed that the Taiwan issue is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. If handled well, the bilateral relationship can remain generally stable. If mishandled, it could lead to collision or even conflict, pushing the entire relationship into a dangerous situation. “Taiwan independence” is incompatible with cross-strait peace. Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is the greatest common denominator for both sides. The U.S. must handle the Taiwan issue with extreme caution.

President Xi Jinping holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the morning of May 14.
President Xi Jinping holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the morning of May 14.
President Xi Jinping holds talks with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the morning of May 14.

Trump expressed

Great Hall of the People

The Great Hall of the People is a monumental state building located on the western side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China. Constructed in just ten months in 1959 as one of the “Ten Great Buildings” to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, it serves as the primary venue for the National People’s Congress, political meetings, and state events. Its design blends traditional Chinese architectural elements with Soviet influences, symbolizing the nation’s political power and unity.

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is one of the world’s most historically significant cities, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It served as the imperial capital for the Ming and Qing dynasties, leaving behind iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Today, it is a vibrant modern metropolis that blends ancient cultural heritage with rapid urbanization, hosting sites such as the Great Wall and the 2008 Olympic venues.

China

China is an ancient civilization with over 5,000 years of recorded history, known for its continuous cultural development and major contributions to art, philosophy, and technology. It was home to influential dynasties such as the Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming, which built iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Today, China is a global economic power, blending its rich historical heritage with rapid modernization.

Taiwan

Taiwan is an island in East Asia with a rich and complex history, having been inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years before being colonized by the Dutch, Spanish, and later ruled by the Qing Dynasty. It became a Japanese colony from 1895 to 1945, and after World War II, it came under the control of the Republic of China (ROC), which relocated there in 1949. Today, Taiwan is known for its vibrant democracy, advanced technology, and diverse culture, blending traditional Chinese heritage with indigenous and modern influences.