Trump and Xi Seek to Escape Thucydides’ Trap at Beijing Summit
During a high-stakes summit in Beijing on May 14, 2026, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed to reshape their nations' rivalry and avoid the historical 'Thucydides’ Trap.' Harvard Professor Graham Allison analyzed the meeting as a significant step toward strategic stability, highlighting plans for four future leader-level engagements, including visits to the US, APEC in Shenzhen, and the G-20 in Miami. The summit emphasized 'business statecraft,' with prominent US CEOs like Elon Musk and Tim Cook accompanying Trump to secure major economic deals. Xi Jinping aligned his vision of national rejuvenation with Trump’s 'Make America Great Again' slogan, suggesting that both powers can thrive as equals. Despite lingering disagreements on issues such as Taiwan and export controls, the leaders focused on economic cooperation and mutual respect. Allison noted that this approach elevates economics to parity with geopolitics, offering hope for global stability amidst conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. The event marks a pivotal attempt to establish a new paradigm for great power relations, prioritizing dialogue and commercial interests over inevitable conflict.
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