It’s already been an eventful day in Beijing, with Chinese chief Xi Jinping saying he and US President Donald Trump agreed to determine a “constructive strategic stable relationship” – a placing try to reset the tone on US-China relations which have steadily deteriorated in latest years. The US has not but launched its account of the meeting.
The two leaders nonetheless have a state banquet dinner forward, in addition to one other day of talks.
Here are the takeaways thus far:
• Xi hails new period: The two leaders agreed to a “constructive strategic stable relationship” as the brand new orientation for bilateral ties over the following three years and past, Xi mentioned, in accordance with a readout from China’s international ministry. This relationship needs to be characterize by cooperation, “well-regulated competition,” and lasting stability even with “manageable differences,” Xi mentioned.
• On Taiwan: Xi emphasised that “the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations,” in accordance with Chinese state media. He warned that relations can keep secure if the difficulty is “handled properly” – however they threat getting into into battle if it’s mishandled, making a “highly dangerous situation.” Taiwan immediately shot back, accusing China of being the “sole source” of insecurity in the area after Xi mentioned Taiwan independence is “irreconcilable” with peace.
• “Thucydides Trap”: In opening remarks, Xi requested whether or not the US and China can transcend the “Thucydides Trap,” referencing an commentary from the traditional Greek historian. The time period now references a easy principle: conflict arises when a rising power challenges a ruling one. Xi’s reference sends a message concerning the sort of stability the Chinese chief hopes to see in their relations.
• On commerce: US and Chinese financial and commerce groups “reached an overall balanced and positive outcome” in discussions on Wednesday, forward of the Trump-Xi talks, in accordance with the international ministry readout.
• Other cooperation: Xi additionally mentioned the US and China ought to cooperate in different areas “including trade, health, agriculture, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and law enforcement,” in accordance with the readout. Both sides ought to “make good use of political and diplomatic channels as well as military-to-military communication mechanisms,” he mentioned.
Trump to Xi: “We’re going to have a fantastic future together.”
• Global conflicts: The leaders additionally “exchanged views on major international and regional issues including the Middle East situation,” Chinese state media reported. Trump and Xi additionally spoke on the struggle in Ukraine, in accordance with Xinhua.
• Pomp and circumstance: The morning started with a welcome ceremony on the Great Hall of the People, earlier than the leaders entered the Beijing landmark for talks. Afterward, they visited the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
• Viral moments: Just a few lighthearted moments have gone viral on-line – together with Secretary of State Marco Rubio marveling at the ceiling contained in the Great Hall, and tech billionaire Elon Musk spinning in a circle whereas taking pictures or movies on his cellphone.