Chinese President Xi Jinping met with a delegation of American senators on Monday and addressed concerns that China is challenging the superpower status of the US. President Xi emphasized that the "Thucydides Trap," which refers to an emerging power threatening to displace an existing great power, is not inevitable. He stated that competition and confrontation are not in line with the current global trend and that the success of China and the US should be seen as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

During the meeting, President Xi highlighted that the common interests of both countries outweigh their differences, and the respective success of China and the US is mutually beneficial. He emphasized that the Earth is vast enough to accommodate the development and common prosperity of both nations. The Chinese President also stressed the importance of the relationship between China and the US, stating that it will determine the future of humanity. The discussion during the meeting primarily focused on the escalating conflict in the Middle East following the attack by Hamas militants on Israel.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed his disappointment that China had not condemned the attack and urged President Xi to stand with the Israeli people and condemn the violence. In response, President Xi stated that China opposes violence against civilians and is saddened by the civilian casualties caused by the conflict. He emphasized the priority of restoring peace and called for relevant parties in the international community to de-escalate the situation. The meeting between President Xi and the delegation of American senators comes at a crucial time as US lawmakers seek to address trade and economic differences between the two countries. It also precedes a potential meeting between President Xi and US President Joe Biden during a regional summit in San Francisco next month.

The visit of the American lawmakers is significant, marking the first visit by US lawmakers since 2019. As the relationship between China and the US becomes increasingly tense, both sides are seeking ways to manage the fraught relationship and find common ground. Overall, President Xi's remarks during the meeting aimed to alleviate concerns in Washington that China is challenging the superpower status of the US. He emphasized the importance of cooperation and mutual success, downplaying the idea of a "Thucydides Trap" and highlighting the need for global peace and stability.