Xi Jinping Says U.S.-China Can Overcome 'Thucydides Trap'
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump that the two nations can overcome what is known as the Thucydides Trap, a concept referring to historical tensions between rising and established powers often leading to conflict. The term was popularized by Harvard professor Graham Allison in the 2010s after ancient Greek historian Thucydides. Xi's remarks contrast with his earlier rhetorical question about whether such destructive tensions could be avoided. He emphasized that competition should not lead to confrontation, advocating for a cooperative approach between China and the U.S. Analysts suggest this framing represents an effort by Beijing to establish norms of peaceful coexistence amid rising geopolitical rivalry. The summit's focus on avoiding conflict is seen as significant in stabilizing the volatile relationship between the two global powers.
Topics: Graham Allison Thucydides Trap U.S.-China relations Xi Jinping