Xi Is Getting the Thucydides Trap All Wrong
Xi Jinping's recent remarks during Donald Trump's visit to Beijing highlighted the contrasting nature of U.S.-China and China-Russia relations. While Xi emphasized the need to overcome the Thucydides Trap in U.S.-China relations, he celebrated the 'no limits' partnership with Russia. This reflects a cautious approach towards the U.S. compared to the more open alliance with Russia.
- ▪Xi Jinping praised Vladimir Putin during his visit to Beijing, contrasting with his cautious tone towards Donald Trump.
- ▪Xi questioned whether the U.S. and China can escape the Thucydides Trap, referencing Graham Allison's book on rising powers.
- ▪The Thucydides Trap refers to historical cases where rising powers challenge established powers, with examples spanning centuries.
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ColumnAsia-Pacific Xi Is Getting the Thucydides Trap All WrongPaul PoastMay 22, 2026May 22, 2026U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in front of the Zhongnanhai Garden, in Beijing, May 15, 2026 (pool photo by Evan Vucci via AP) Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Email (Opens in new window) The praise and pronouncements of friendship that Xi Jinping showered on Vladimir Putin when the Russian leader visited Beijing this week stood in stark contrast to the cautious warning Xi issued to Donald Trump during his own Beijing visit last week.
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