In recent years, China-U.S. relations have experienced twists and turns. Some observers fear that China and the United States may repeat the historical pattern of major-power rivalry known as the "Thucydides Trap." Yet, Xi has rejected this notion: "There is no such thing as a 'Thucydides Trap' in the world. But repeated strategic miscalculations between major countries could create one for themselves."

　　Avoiding such miscalculations, therefore, has become a critical task for China and the United States, which requires both sides to engage in candid dialogue on several key issues.

　　Foremost is the Taiwan question. President Xi has repeatedly and unequivocally conveyed China's fundamental stance to the U.S. side. In the Feb. 4 phone conversation with Trump, Xi once again stressed that the Taiwan question is the most important and sensitive issue in China-U.S. relations, urging the U.S. side to handle arms sales to Taiwan with utmost prudence.

　　Trade is another critical issue. In the face of unilateral U.S. tariff offensives, China, under Xi's leadership, has taken resolute countermeasures.

A drone photo taken on May 9, 2026 shows a container ship reaching Qingdao Port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo by Yu Fangping/Xinhua)

　　At the same time, Beijing has kept channels of engagement open. Xi has dispatched economic and trade teams that have held six rounds of talks with the U.S. side, seeking to narrow differences step by step while expanding common ground. Currently, trade ties between the two countries remain roughly steady. The two sides will hold a new round of trade talks in South Korea from May 12 to 13.