President Xi Jinping, in a carefully choreographed display of power along Tiananmen Square, greeted President Donald Trump in Beijing on Thursday, kicking off a two-day summit with particularly high stakes for the Americans. The meeting, set against the backdrop of rising trade tensions and geopolitical rivalries, saw Xi warning of a potential clash but urging both nations to 'make it work.'
According to official statements, Xi emphasized the need for mutual respect and cooperation, stating that the two countries must avoid confrontation. Trump, for his part, expressed optimism about the talks, though specific outcomes were not immediately disclosed. The summit included discussions on trade imbalances, North Korea, and regional security.
The event featured a grand military parade and a state banquet, underscoring the significance of the bilateral relationship. However, no major agreements were announced, and analysts noted that the rhetoric remained cautious. The two leaders are scheduled to continue talks on Friday.