In his opening remarks, Xi Jinping noted that 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. He added that stability in the U.S.-China relationship was essential for global stability.
Xi also noted that the common interests between China and the U.S. outweighed the differences. He also said the success of China and the U.S. was an opportunity for each other.
“A stable China-U.S. relationship is a boon for the world,” Xi said.
“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. We should be partners and not rivals.”
The meeting between the leaders was held behind closed doors. China’s official Xinhua news agency said Xi told Trump that if Taiwan was not handled correctly, the USA and China risked “clashes and even conflicts.”
“The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations,” Xi said.
“If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-U.S. relationship into a highly perilous situation.”
Trump told Xi that he is a “great leader” and their countries were “going to have a fantastic future together”.
“I say to everybody you’re a great leader,” the U.S. president said.
“Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.”
The leaders shook hands in front of the Chinese parliament building and walked down a red carpet at their meeting on May 14. The U.S. President saluted as cannon fire rang out over Tiananmen Square.
Trump and Xi inspected an honour guard of several lines of Chinese troops in various ceremonial uniforms in blue and white with bayoneted rifles.
Trump was accompanied by an American delegation, which included, among others, U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, and business chiefs including Elon Musk.
Later in the day, the U.S. president will pay a visit to the Temple of Heaven and attend a state banquet.
Trump arrived in Beijing on May 13 for two days of high-level talks with Xi Jinping.
Trump and Xi Jinping are expected to reach a number of new trade agreements and may discuss plans to create a Board of Trade with China and a U.S.-China Investment Council.
The U.S. President's state visit to China will take place from May 13 to 15. It was originally scheduled for March, but Trump postponed it due to the war with Iran.