Donald Trump given 'dark' warning from Xi Jinping as China leader discusses US future relations

Donald Trump might have left his latest meeting with Xi Jinping pleased with the results, but a 'dark' warning issued by the Chinese leader has set the teeth of some spectators on edge.

The US President flew to Beijing for the high-stakes summit on Thursday (14 May), with the intention of discussing the possibility of stabilising relations between America and China, de-escalating trade friction and addressing vital global security crises.

Ahead of the meeting, Trump was seen telling Jinping inside the Great Hall of the People, 'it's an honour to be your friend'.

"It’s an honour to be with you," the 79-year-old went on, adding that the 'relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before'.

"You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true," he gushed. "I really look very much forward to our discussion. It’s a big discussion.

The two leaders appeared to send conflicting messages (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

"There are those that say, this is maybe the biggest summit ever.”

Moments earlier, however, Jinping gave Trump a sudden and sinister warning over the risks of a potential clash between the two parties going forward.

He noted that the rest of the world had long wondered 'whether the two countries can transcend the Thucydides Trap and forge a new model for relations between major powers'.

Jinping continued: "Co-operation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. The two countries should be partners rather than rivals, achieve success together and pursue common prosperity, and chart a correct path for major-country relations in the new era."

It's thought that the cryptic comment references the geopolitical notion that, when a rising power threatens the stance of an already-established one, war often proves to be the only necessary response.

Jinping gave the US leader a stern warning (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

The 'Thucydides Trap' was named after the classical Greek historian, who discussed the threat that rising power Athens once posed to a nationally-feared Sparta, which resulted in an infamous, inevitable battle between the two ancient regions.

Honing in on financial ties in particular, Jinping told Trump: "Yesterday, our economic and trade teams produced generally balanced and positive outcomes. This is good news for the people of the two countries and the world."

He also called on Trump to play his part in jointly sustaining the supposed momentum they've built so far, namely by avoiding trade wars.

"Where disagreements and frictions exist, equal-footed consultation is the only right choice," the Chinese leader added.

Political commentators believe the pair's conflicting messages also emphasise the stark contrast in their stance on major issues like America's ongoing war with Iran, and the US's view on China's controversial relationship with Taiwan.

Jinping referenced the 'Thucydides Trap' (Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

As a reminder, Jinping previously expressed disappointment over America's plan to sell Taiwan, a self-governing island in the Republic of China, weapons, as well as Trump's approval of an 11 billion dollar (£8.1 billion) arms package.

Conversely, China has long maintained a partnership with Iran, both economically and militarily.

Since Trump jointly attacked the Middle Eastern nation with missiles in February with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, China has provided Iranian leaders with dual-use technology, including missile parts and intelligence.