Xi, Trump praise old friendship, strike softer tone on rivalry

Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping visited the United States on Thursday for the first time in nearly a decade. He met US President Mr. Trump at the White House. The two leaders held talks and attended a state dinner together.

Mr. Trump welcomed Mr. Xi with a handshake during the formal reception. The event featured a flyover by a B-2 Spirit bomber and four F-22 Raptor fighter jets. A military parade also displayed US military strength during the reception.

The two leaders then held talks in the Oval Office. They discussed several major issues. These included Taiwan, the Middle East crisis, the war in Ukraine, and trade relations.

Mr. Trump called the meeting “excellent.” Mr. Xi said the two countries had reached a “new joint understanding” after their long trade dispute. This marked a step forward after years of tension.

Mr. Trump visited Beijing in May of this year. Mr. Xi’s visit to the White House on Thursday came after that trip. Mr. Xi and China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan arrived together for the visit.

Both leaders gave speeches emphasizing shared interests. They said their countries could achieve much by focusing on common goals. Mr. Xi also warned about the risks of artificial intelligence, or AI.

The leaders then moved to the Oval Office for further talks. According to Chinese state media, Mr. Xi explained Beijing’s position on Taiwan there. He asked Mr. Trump to carefully consider the US position and oppose Taiwanese independence.

Mr. Xi later announced that the two countries had reached a new trade understanding. This came after a fresh round of negotiations. The agreement follows a long period of trade conflict between the nations.

Before the state dinner, the First Ladies made a separate visit. US First Lady Ms. Melania Trump and Ms. Peng Liyuan visited the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art together.

At the dinner, both leaders gave speeches honoring bilateral relations. Mr. Trump said that although he and Mr. Xi represent different systems of government, the bond between their peoples remains strong. He added that relations between the two nations are better now than before.

Mr. Trump said the two countries could continue building a relationship that ensures prosperity and security for future generations. He expressed hope for continued cooperation.

Mr. Xi spoke about the historical partnership between the two nations during World War II. He clearly named Japan as their common enemy during that war.

Mr. Xi said the friendship between China and the United States was forged through “blood and fire.” He added that this bond would endure for generations to come.

Source: South China Morning Post.