Xi Jinping and Donald Trump (right)
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday struck a warm and optimistic tone during their high-stakes meeting in the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, with the two leaders emphasizing cooperation rather than confrontation despite tensions over trade, technology and regional security.Xi rolled out the red carpet and held a ceremonial military guard of honor for his American counterpart, Donald Trump.Follow live updates on Trump’s visit to ChinaThe meeting marked Trump’s first visit to China during his second presidential term and attracted global attention as the two countries attempted to reset relations between the world’s two largest economies.At the opening of the talks, Trump praised the reception he and the American delegation received, describing it as “an honor that few have ever seen before.”“Well, President Xi, I want to thank you very much. First of all, this was an honor that few have ever experienced before,” Trump said.Trump also praised the Chinese military, and said he was deeply moved by the children who participated in the welcoming ceremony.“I think I was particularly touched by these kids,” he said. “They were happy. They were beautiful. The army is clear. It couldn’t be better. But these kids were amazing, and they represent so much.”
In his opening remarks, Xi said the whole world was watching the meeting closely, and described the talks as a crucial moment for future global stability.“Welcome back to China after 9 years. The whole world is watching our meeting. Currently, a transformation not seen in a century is accelerating around the world, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent. The world has reached a new crossroads. Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new model of relations between major countries? .. .”Xi also called for stronger cooperation between Beijing and Washington and warned against rivalry between the two powers.“Can we face global challenges together and provide more stability to the world? Can we, in the interests of the well-being of our two peoples and the future of humanity, build a brighter future together for our bilateral relations? These are the vital questions of history, the world and the peoples,” he said.
They are the questions of our time that you and I need to answer as leaders of great nations… I have always believed that our two countries have more common interests than differences.
Success in one is an opportunity for the other. A stable bilateral relationship is good for the world. China and the United States benefit from cooperation and lose from confrontation. We must be partners, not competitors. We should help each other succeed and prosper together and find the right way for major countries to get along well with each other in the new era…”The Chinese President also expressed his hope that the talks would open a “new chapter” in bilateral relations.“Mr. President, I look forward to our discussions on major issues important to our two countries and the world, and to working with you to set the course and steer the giant ship of China-US relations so as to make 2026 a landmark year that opens a new chapter in China-US relations,” Xi added.Meanwhile, Trump highlighted his long personal relationship with Xi, and said the two leaders have always managed to resolve differences directly.The MAGA president said: “You and I have known each other now for a long time. In fact, it is the longest relationship between our two countries that has not been preceded by a president or president. This is an honor for me. We had a great relationship. We got along. And when there were difficulties, we worked them out.”
I would call you, and you would call me. Whenever we had a problem, we would solve it very quickly and we would have a great future together.
..”Praising Xi’s leadership, Trump added, “Such respect for China, the work you’ve done. You’re a great leader. I say that to everyone.”Trump also noted the presence of top American businessmen in his delegation, and said they were keen to expand trade relations with China.“We have the greatest businessmen, the biggest and I think the best in the world,” he said. “We have great people and they are all with me.”Trump described the summit as potentially historic, and said: “There are those who say this may be the biggest summit ever. They can never remember anything like it.”At the conclusion of his statements, Trump said: “It is an honor to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the United States will be better than ever.”Earlier, Xi officially received Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two leaders exchanged a warm handshake before Trump met with members of Xi’s cabinet ahead of closed-door discussions.
