BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that China’s development could go “hand-in-hand” with US President Donald Trump’s “make America great again” agenda, as both leaders met in Beijing for talks covering trade, Iran and broader global issues.
“Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can totally go hand in hand, help each other succeed, and advance the well-being of the whole world,” Xi said at a banquet after the talks.
US President Donald Trump said discussions with Xi were “extremely positive and productive” during remarks at the Great Hall of the People.
“We had extremely positive and productive conversations and meetings today with the Chinese delegation earlier,” Trump said, calling the banquet “another cherished opportunity to discuss among friends.”
Trump also said he had extended an invitation for Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan to visit the White House on September 24.
“It is my honor to extend an invitation to you, Madam Peng, to visit us at the White House this September 24, and we look forward to it,” he said.
The White House said both leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz “must remain open” to ensure the uninterrupted flow of global energy supplies.
Trump said the two countries would have “a fantastic future together,” while Xi said China and the United States “should be partners and not rivals.”
Xi was received with a formal red-carpet welcome at the Great Hall of the People, including military honors, a gun salute and schoolchildren chanting “Welcome!”
The visit marks the first by a US president to China in nearly a decade, taking place amid continuing tensions over trade, technology and global security.
Xi said stable ties between the two countries are important for the world, adding: “Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both.”
He also told visiting US business executives that China would continue to expand its openness to international companies.
“China’s doors to the outside world will open wider and wider... American companies will enjoy even brighter prospects in China,” he said, according to Chinese state media.
Among US business leaders accompanying Trump were Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Musk described the meetings as “wonderful,” while Huang said the two leaders “were incredible.”
Iran was a key issue in the discussions after tensions in the Middle East delayed Trump’s visit earlier this year. Trump said he expected a “long talk” with Xi on Iran, which exports most of its sanctioned oil to China, but added: “I don’t think we need any help with Iran” from Beijing.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington hoped China would take “a more active role” in the Persian Gulf region.
Trade and tariffs also featured prominently, with Trump seeking agreements on agriculture, aircraft and other sectors.
Before the visit, Trump said he would push for greater Chinese market access for US companies.
Both sides were also expected to discuss extending a one-year tariff truce agreed in South Korea last October after tariffs between the two countries rose above 100%.
China’s restrictions on rare-earth exports and growing competition in artificial intelligence were also part of the agenda.
Trump was also scheduled to visit Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven as both governments sought to manage a tense but economically significant relationship.
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