Chinese President Xi Jinping has declared that China and the US 'should be partners, not adversaries' as Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for him at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, just outside Washington DC, late on Wednesday afternoon local time.
Trump gave Xi a rare personal greeting at the base, the first time since 1962 that a sitting US president has personally welcomed a foreign leader there. The pair shared a warm exchange and shook hands, as did the first ladies of both nations, Melania Trump and Peng Liyuan.
Elaborate welcome ceremony
The Chinese delegation was welcomed with a 30m-long red carpet and a 'sonic boom' caused by two US Air Force B-1 Lancer bombers flying directly overhead, alongside a 21-man guard of honour.
Trump and Xi are set to hold talks on Thursday (September 24) on the future of AI, Taiwan, and tariffs, diplomatic experts believe. Relations between the two countries have continued to improve after Trump placed tariffs on Chinese imports last year, prompting Beijing to introduce retaliatory measures.
Trade truce extended
The two signed the 'Busan Agreement' in South Korea late last year, effectively calling a truce on the trade war. As Xi touched down, Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the extension of the truce.
“I don't know whether a bigger deal can be done. I don't know whether we will just roll the current deal,” Bessent said in a Fox News interview, noting the extension to January 10 could give the leaders more time to talk about the issues at upcoming international summits in China in November and Florida in December.
Xi's statement on relations
Minutes later, Xi appeared to confirm relations are improving by issuing a lengthy statement saying China and the US 'should be partners, not adversaries'.
He said: “The people of China and the United States have a long history of friendly exchanges, and their interests are deeply intertwined. The two countries should be partners, not adversaries. Realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can absolutely coexist, complement each other, and benefit the world.
“Both sides should meet each other halfway, promote the formation of a stable relationship characterised by cooperation as the mainstay, moderate competition, manageable differences, and a promising future, and forge a correct path for the two major powers to coexist in the new era. I am confident in this.”
Trump said he believed Chinese officials 'appreciate' the welcome and called the delegation 'tremendous people' as he returned to the White House on Wednesday evening. Talks begin tomorrow between the two men, before a state dinner on Thursday evening. The official visit will conclude on Friday.
