US President Donald Trump landed in Beijing and met his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, for a “high-stakes” bilateral engagement on Thursday (May 14), as the two leaders are expected to discuss issues ranging from the war in Iran, trade, and technology to arms sales and Taiwan.
Xi formally welcomed Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday morning, where both leaders shook hands, following which POTUS met the members of the Chinese president’s cabinet.
Trump then introduced the Chinese president to the members of his cabinet, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
The US president was also accorded a ceremonial guard of honour from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Honour Guard Battalion.
Xi emphasises the relationship between China and US is ‘historically significant’
China’s Xi Jinping, in his opening remarks, emphasised that the relationship between China and the United States is historically significant and will shape global stability, prosperity, and the future international order.
“Whether China and the United States can transcend the so-called ‘Thucydides Trap’ and pioneer a new paradigm of major-country relations; whether we can join hands to address global challenges and inject more stability into the world; whether we can respond to the well-being of our two peoples and the future and destiny of humanity, and together create a bright future for bilateral relations — these, it may be said, are questions of history, questions of the world, and questions of the people,” he said. “They are also the answers of our era that you and I, as leaders of major countries, need to write together.”
The Chinese leader further added that both countries should achieve success for one another, and “prosper together”.
“We should be partners rather than opponents, achieve success for one another, prosper together, and forge a correct way for major countries of the new era to get along with each other,” Xi added.
Trump hails ‘fantastic relationship’ between US-China
The US president hailed a “fantastic relationship” between the two countries and said he had “such respect” for Xi and China, calling him a “great leader.”
He said that the US delegation looked forward to discussing reciprocal trade with Beijing.
“You and I have known each other now for a long time. In fact, the longest relationship of our two countries that any President and President has had. And that’s, to me, an honour. We’ve had a fantastic relationship. We’ve gotten along. When there were difficulties, we worked it out. I would call you, and you would call me. Whenever we had a problem, we worked it out very quickly, and we’re going to have a fantastic future together,” Trump said.
“There are those who say this may be the biggest summit ever … It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before,” Trump said.
