Trump Calls for Stronger US-China Ties During White House Dinner With Xi Jinping
Trump and Xi Jinping highlight shared interests and dialogue as Washington and Beijing seek to manage trade and other differences.
WASHINGTON, Sep 25: US President Donald Trump called for stronger ties between the United States and China during a White House state dinner, saying the two countries should pursue a relationship that promotes prosperity and security for future generations.
Trump, who has frequently spoken about his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, praised Xi and his wife, describing them as “truly outstanding” and “amazing people”.
“As the leaders of our two nations, President Xi and I both understand that we represent different systems, but the ties between our people endure,” Trump said on Thursday. He added that the two leaders had “never gotten along better”.
Xi, addressing the gathering, said he and Trump had held “sincere and in-depth exchanges” earlier in the day and had reached a common understanding on several matters.
According to Xi, the discussions had brought fresh momentum to what he described as a constructive China-US relationship based on strategic stability. He did not provide details of the issues discussed or indicate whether the talks had resulted in any new agreements.
Trade and artificial intelligence were expected to be among the key subjects of the leaders’ discussions. Earlier this week, Washington and Beijing agreed to extend their tariff truce for another two months, helping prevent a fresh escalation in their trade dispute. However, the arrangement has not resulted in a wider trade deal.
The two nations also remain competitors in advanced artificial intelligence. Trump has advocated a lighter regulatory approach in the United States, arguing that it would help the country maintain its position in the technology race with China.
Washington and Beijing continue to differ over several other issues, including China’s relations with Iran and Russia and the future of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as part of its territory.
Xi also referred to several milestones in the history of US-China relations, including George Washington’s purchase of Chinese porcelain, cooperation between the two nations during World War II and former US President Richard Nixon’s efforts to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Describing the current period as “another historic juncture”, Xi said the ambitions of the two countries could complement each other.
“China and the United States must act as responsible major countries, meet the expectations of our peoples, keep pace with the trend of our times and explore a new approach for major countries to get along with each other,” he said.
