Xi Jinping invokes Thucydides trap during White House meeting

During a meeting at the White House, Chinese leader Xi Jinping invoked the ‘Thucydides trap’ while discussing the conditions necessary for the United States and China to avoid conflict. The term refers to the historical phenomenon where tensions arise when an emerging power challenges a dominant established power. Xi suggested that the two nations should pursue cooperation rather than confrontation, arguing that China's rise does not have to occur at America's expense.

Observers and analysts have characterized the use of the term as a pointed commentary on the shifting global balance of power, implying China is the rising power and the U.S. is the declining one. Additionally, President Donald Trump faced criticism for his diplomatic conduct during the summit, including his decision to meet Xi at Joint Base Andrews upon his arrival, a departure from the tradition where presidents typically receive foreign leaders at the White House.