Xi tells Trump that U.S., China should be ‘partners, not rivals’
President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have stressed the need for cooperation between the two global superpowers as they seek to stabilize a trade deal and find common ground amid uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict.
The two leaders shook hands in front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday morning local time, or Wednesday evening in Washington.
They appeared talkative and friendly as they exchanged a warm handshake after Mr. Trump’s arrival, which sparked an elaborate welcome ceremony featuring a Chinese military band playing “The Star Spangled Banner” and schoolchildren applauding the U.S. president with pom-poms and jumping.
During the meeting, both gave an optimistic assessment of U.S.-China relations before reporters were cleared from the room and talks between the two sides began.
“A stable bilateral relationship is good for the world,” Xi said through a translator. “We should be partners, not rivals. »
Mr. Trump highlighted his friendship with Mr. Xi, calling him a friend and a “great leader,” adding that he had “such respect” for the Chinese president.
He also said the United States wants to become economic partners with Beijing.
“We are going to have a fantastic future together,” Mr. Trump said.
It was the first time Mr Trump and Mr Xi had spoken face to face since October and the first visit to China by a US president since Mr Trump visited Beijing during his first term in 2017.
Mr. Trump is seeking a comprehensive trade deal. Trade talks will focus on Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural products, energy and aerospace technologies, including Boeing aircraft.
The United States is also seeking to increase access to Chinese rare earths and allow American companies to export food and other products to the Chinese market.
To help solidify economic functioning, Mr. Trump brought several American leaders with him to China, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook.
They were all present at Thursday’s welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, alongside senior Trump administration officials.
Looming over all these discussions is the war in Iran, which caused the Trump-Xi summit to be postponed once. Leaders have much to gain from each other in the Iran war.
