Xi Jinping Cites Thucydides Trap in Meeting with Donald Trump

Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping cited an example of an ancient Greek general in his meeting with US President Donald Trump. During the conversation, he mentioned the 'Thucydides Trap', sending a message that stability is necessary in US-China relations. 

This context is related to the ancient Greek historian and general Thucydides. At that time, the Peloponnesian War occurred in ancient Greece when the rising power Athens challenged the established power Sparta.

Whenever a new rising power challenges an old dominant power and the risk of conflict or war increases, the Thucydides Trap is cited. Graham Allison was the one who specifically used this term in connection with US-China relations. 

He had warned at that time in 2017 that if China did not reduce its ambitions or if America was not prepared to accept a secondary position in the Pacific region, a trade war, cyber attack, or maritime accident could lead to a major war.

Xi discussed this 'trap' in his initial address to Trump, stating that the two countries must build a new model of cooperation rather than confrontation. Xi said, 'The question of whether China and the US can overcome the so-called Thucydides Trap is a question for history, the world, and the people.' He added, 'These are the answers of our time, which you and I, as leaders of great nations, must write together.'

This is not the first time Xi has brought up the 'Thucydides Trap'. During a visit to the US in 2015, he discussed this very concept.  He said at that time that the danger of falling into such a trap would only arise if strategic misconceptions were made.