President Trump thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for a 'magnificent welcome' during a lavish banquet in China, describing their talks as 'extremely positive and productive.' Trump emphasized the 'special relationship' between the United States and China, highlighting historical ties dating back to the American Revolution. He extended an invitation to President Xi and his wife for a state visit to the White House on September 24.
Diplomatic Pleasantries Amid Underlying Tensions
During the banquet, Trump avoided mentioning contentious issues, while Xi called for the U.S. and China to be 'partners rather than rivals.' Despite public pleasantries, a Chinese readout indicated Xi warned Trump about the dangers of mishandling the Taiwan issue, a topic Trump publicly sidestepped. The invitation to the White House marks a significant diplomatic gesture, though the underlying disagreements remain unresolved.
