Chinese President Xi Jinping struck a conciliatory and optimistic tone during a state banquet held for US President Donald Trump in Beijing on Thursday, emphasising cooperation, mutual respect and strategic stability between the world’s two largest economies.
In a closely watched address during the official banquet, Xi said the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” and Trump’s “Make America Great Again” vision could progress together, signalling efforts by both nations to stabilise bilateral ties amid ongoing geopolitical and economic tensions.
Xi calls China-US ties most important relationship
During his toast, Xi Jinping described China-US relations as the most important bilateral relationship in the world today.
He warned that both countries must carefully manage the relationship and avoid damaging global stability through confrontation.
“The people of China and the United States are both great peoples. Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand,” Xi said during the banquet.
The Chinese president repeatedly stressed that cooperation would benefit both nations while confrontation would only create losses and uncertainty.
“Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals,” he stated, adding that mutual respect remained essential for improving bilateral relations.
Xi further said both countries could “help each other succeed and advance the wellbeing of the whole world.”
Leaders discuss global and bilateral issues
According to Xi, he and Donald Trump held detailed discussions earlier in the day on bilateral ties as well as major international issues.
He said both leaders agreed to work towards a “constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability” aimed at ensuring steady and sustainable development of ties between the two nations.
The remarks are being viewed by observers as a signal of attempts by Beijing and Washington to ease tensions and maintain communication despite continuing disagreements on trade, technology, defence and geopolitical issues.
Trump invites Xi to White House
Responding to Xi’s remarks, Donald Trump extended an invitation to the Chinese leader to visit the White House on September 24.
Trump also reflected on the historical relationship between the American and Chinese people, noting that ties between the two nations date back to the early years of the United States.
“The relationship between the American and Chinese people goes back all the way to America’s founding,” Trump said.
He referred to Samuel Shaw, recognised as the first American consul to China, who arrived in China aboard the first American trading ship to reach Chinese shores in 1784.
Trump said that over the centuries the connection had evolved into “one of the most consequential relationships in world history.”
Trump highlights shared values
The US president also highlighted cultural and historical exchanges between the two countries.
He mentioned that Chinese admirers of former US President George Washington had gifted a stone tablet honouring Washington’s memory for display near the Washington Monument.
According to Trump, the inscription described Washington as “a hero among men.”
Emphasising common values shared by both societies, Trump said China and the United States value hard work, courage and achievement.
“The world is a special world with the two of us united and together,” he remarked during the banquet speech.
Global attention on China-US engagement
The interaction between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump has drawn significant global attention as investors, diplomats and international observers closely monitor the future direction of China-US relations.
The two countries remain deeply interconnected economically despite years of strategic rivalry and periodic tensions over tariffs, trade restrictions, Taiwan, technology policies and military influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Analysts believe the conciliatory language used during the banquet reflects efforts by both governments to maintain diplomatic engagement and reduce uncertainty in global markets and international politics.
Further discussions and follow-up engagements between Beijing and Washington are expected in the coming months as both sides seek to balance competition with cooperation on key global challenges.