Xi urges Trump to avoid conflict as powers extend trade truce
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the United States to avoid conflict and confrontation during a high-stakes state visit hosted by US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday.
The two leaders struck a conciliatory tone as Washington and Beijing seek to manage strategic competition between the world’s two largest economies. Trump highlighted an extraordinary personal friendship with his counterpart, while Xi underscored the necessity of sustained dialogue and mutual cooperation.
Pomp and high-stakes diplomacy
Xi was welcomed with full military honors, including a red-carpet ceremony, an artillery salute, and a flyover by American strategic aircraft. Welcoming the Chinese delegation, Trump underscored common bilateral interests alongside personal rapport.
“Since my first election in 2016, President Xi and I have built a friendship, a truly extraordinary friendship, based on mutual respect and the vital interests of our peoples,” Trump said. “During this visit, we will also discuss urgent issues regarding security, technology, and superintelligence. The decisions we make today can contribute to peace and prosperity for decades to come.”
Xi stressed the importance of structural stability and communication between the two superpowers, explicitly calling for routine bilateral military engagements to manage emergent tensions.
“China and the United States must adhere to the principle of avoiding conflict and confrontation,” Xi noted. “We can certainly find the right path for two major countries to coexist on this planet we both call home. Both militaries must maintain regular dialogue and enhance communication and crisis-prevention mechanisms.”
Trade truce and strategic friction
The White House summit follows an agreement by both administrations to extend their bilateral trade truce by two months, preventing immediate increases in import tariffs.
Despite the temporary détente, deep frictions persist over technological sovereignty, access to critical minerals, and the status of Taiwan. Xi reiterated Beijing’s desire to maintain institutional equilibrium despite these systemic disputes.
“I stand ready to work with you to keep the giant ship of China-US relations sailing steadily forward,” Xi added, calling for reinforced bilateral communication channels.
Outside the White House grounds, rival demonstrations gathered as pro- and anti-Beijing activists assembled. Protesters waved Taiwanese and Tibetan flags while chanting slogans against Beijing’s domestic and foreign policies.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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