Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China’s progress and the "Make America Great Again" vision of U.S. President Donald Trump are compatible.
This diplomatic overture comes as both nations navigate deep economic rivalry and global tensions. By framing the two nationalist agendas as complementary, Xi is signaling a desire for a softer diplomatic tone to avoid direct conflict while maintaining domestic goals.
During a state dinner on May 13, 2026 [1], Xi addressed the relationship between the two superpowers. He said that "the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again are not mutually exclusive and can go hand in hand," according to reports from the event [2].
Xi's comments suggest a strategic attempt to find common ground between the "Make America Great Again" slogan and China's own pursuit of national strength. He said that China's progress is compatible with the vision held by Trump [3].
The exchange occurred amid a broader context of competition over trade and technology. By suggesting that the two visions can coexist, Xi is positioning China as a partner that can respect U.S. national interests, provided those interests do not obstruct China's own path toward rejuvenation [3].
Xi said that the rejuvenation of China and MAGA can go hand in hand [3]. This phrasing aligns with a broader effort to stabilize relations between the world's two largest economies without conceding on core ideological or territorial claims.
“"The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again are not mutually exclusive."”
This rhetoric represents a tactical shift in diplomatic framing. By adopting the language of 'MAGA,' Xi Jinping is attempting to validate Trump's nationalist priorities to reduce friction, suggesting that two strong, self-interested superpowers can coexist without necessitating a zero-sum conflict.
