In the Hebei Hall of the Great Hall of the People, in front of the large painting “Jinshanling Morning Light,” flags of China and the United States were arranged. President Xi Jinping and President Trump smiled as they entered the hall, stood side by side, shook hands, and posed for a photo, with flashes lighting up and shutters clicking frequently.

Behind them, the Great Wall wound through the mountains, and the morning light painted the splendid landscape a bright golden yellow.

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

This was the first visit by a U.S. president to China in nine years and the first face-to-face meeting between the two heads of state since their meeting in Busan in October last year. Another “handshake across the Pacific” captured the world’s attention.

“Our meeting can now be said to be the focus of global attention.” “In the United States, almost everyone is talking about this meeting.” Bearing the well-being of over 1.7 billion people in both countries and affecting the interests of more than 8 billion people worldwide, both sides deeply understood the weight of the “handshake” between the world’s two largest economies.

The formal talks were held in the East Hall, adjacent to the Hebei Hall. As the guests took their seats, President Xi Jinping opened the discussion with profound concern, posing three deep questions:

“In the current era of rapid transformation and increasing international turmoil, the world has reached a new crossroads. Can China and the United States avoid the ‘Thucydides Trap’ and create a new paradigm for major-country relations? Can we join hands to address global challenges and inject more stability into the world? Can we, focusing on the well-being of our peoples and the future of humanity, jointly create a bright future for bilateral relations?”

“These are questions of history, of the world, and of the people, and they are also the answers of the era that leaders of major countries must write together,” he said earnestly and firmly. “I am willing to work with President Trump to steer the great ship of China-U.S. relations well, making 2026 a historic and landmark year that builds on the past and opens up the future.”

The metaphor of the “great ship” proposed by President Xi Jinping during the Busan meeting left a deep impression. As the “helmsman,” the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy plays an increasingly prominent role as the “anchor” in major-country relations.

At this moment, facing President Xi Jinping, President Trump again stated: “We will have a bright future together. I have great respect for China and for your achievements as a leader. I say this to everyone: you are an outstanding leader, and I stand by this assessment because it is the truth.”

How can the “great ship” of China-U.S. relations sail steadily and far?

After over two hours of in-depth talks, an important statement quickly dominated headlines worldwide: both sides agreed to establish “China-U.S. constructive strategic stability” as the new positioning for bilateral relations, providing strategic guidance for the next three years and beyond.

What is “constructive strategic stability”?

“It should be a positive stability based on cooperation, a healthy stability with measured competition, a normal stability where differences are manageable, and a lasting stability where peace is achievable.”

Seeking harmony without uniformity and common ground while reserving differences, this new positioning for major-country relations is full of wisdom and responsibility.

It was noted that executives from over 10 well-known U.S. companies accompanied the president on the visit, including Apple, Nvidia, Tesla, and Boeing, covering cutting-edge fields such as the internet, technology, and aviation. They demonstrated rational and pragmatic choices

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 major political meetings, including the National People’s Congress. The hall is renowned for its massive scale, featuring a grand auditorium, banquet halls, and meeting rooms representing various provinces and regions of China.

Hebei Hall

Hebei Hall is a historic building located in the city of Baoding, Hebei Province, China, originally constructed during the Qing Dynasty. It served as an important provincial government office and cultural venue, hosting various administrative and ceremonial events. Today, it stands as a preserved heritage site, offering visitors insight into the region’s political and architectural history.

Jinshanling

Jinshanling is a section of the Great Wall of China located in Luanping County, Hebei Province. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty under the supervision of General Qi Jiguang in the late 16th century, it is renowned for its well-preserved watchtowers, steep terrain, and stunning scenery. Today, it is a popular hiking destination, offering a less crowded but equally impressive alternative to the more restored sections of the Great Wall.

Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is a series of ancient fortifications built across northern China to protect against invasions and raids. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC, with major sections built under the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). It spans over 13,000 miles, making it one of the most iconic and impressive architectural feats in human history.

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a historic city with over 3,000 years of history, serving as the nation’s political and cultural center for centuries. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Tiananmen Square, which reflect its imperial past and modern significance. Today, Beijing blends ancient traditions with rapid modernization, hosting major events like the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Busan

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and a major port hub, known for its stunning beaches, mountains, and vibrant cultural scene. Historically, it served as a key trading port and was one of the few areas not occupied by North Korean forces during the Korean War, acting as a temporary capital and a crucial entry point for supplies and refugees. Today, Busan blends modern skyscrapers with traditional temples like Haedong Yonggungsa, attracting tourists for its seafood markets and the famous Busan International Film Festival.

East Hall

The East Hall is a historic building often associated with university campuses or cultural centers, serving as a hub for academic or community events. Its history typically dates back to the early 20th century, when it was constructed in a neoclassical or Gothic revival style to accommodate lectures and gatherings. Over time, it has been preserved as a landmark, reflecting the architectural and educational heritage of its region.

Thucydides Trap

The “Thucydides Trap” is a concept describing the high risk of conflict when a rising power challenges an established one, named after the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. He analyzed the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE) between Athens and Sparta, attributing its cause to Sparta’s fear of Athens’ growing power. The term was popularized by political scientist Graham Allison to explain modern geopolitical tensions, such as those between the United States and China.