Xi Jinping expects 2026 to be ‘historic, landmark year’ for China-US ties

By R Anil Kumar

Beijing, May 14, 2026. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, May 14, said that China and the United States must work together to chart the future of their bilateral ties and make 2026 a “historic, landmark year” that opens up a new chapter in China-US relations.

Xi made the remarks during talks with US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

At the beginning of the meeting, Xi noted that transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent, stressing that the world has come to another crossroads.

“Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new paradigm of major-country relations? Can we meet global challenges together and provide greater stability for the world? Can we build a bright future together for our bilateral relations in the interest of the well-being of the two peoples and the future of humanity? These are the questions vital to history, to the world and to the people,” said Xi.

“They are the questions of our times that the leaders of major countries need to answer together,” he said.

Xi emphasized that China and the US share more common interests than differences, noting that success in one country is an opportunity for the other and that a stable bilateral relationship benefits the world.

“We should be partners, not rivals. We should help each other succeed and prosper together, and find the right way for major countries to get along well with each other in the new era,” Xi stressed.

He added that he looks forward to their discussions on major issues of mutual importance and expressed his commitment to working with the US to set the future course and steer the giant ship of China-US ties.

Safeguarding peace, stability across Taiwan Strait biggest common denominator between China, US, Xi says

Safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on when holding talks with US President Donald Trump in Beijing.

Noting that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations, Xi told Trump that if it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability.

Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy, Xi said, emphasizing that “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water.

Xi says China-US economic, trade ties mutually beneficial

China-US economic ties are mutually beneficial and win-win in nature, Chinese President Xi Jinping said. “Our economic and trade teams produced generally balanced and positive outcomes. This is good news for the people of the two countries and the world,” Xi said.

Facts have shown time and again that trade wars have no winner, he noted.

“Where disagreements and frictions exist, equal-footed consultation is the only right choice,” he said, calling on the two sides to jointly sustain the good momentum that they have worked hard to create.

The USPresident Donald Trump said he looks forward to the “big discussion” with President Xi, adding that the two countries were going to have a “fantastic future together.”

He also highlighted the high-level American business delegation accompanying him, describing their presence as a gesture of respect toward China and President Xi.

“It’s an honor to be your friend and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before,” Trump said.

(Source: Xinhua Chinese State Media)