Chinese President Xi Jinping on the 14th stressed the need for cooperation with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying, "China and the United States should be partners, not rivals." Trump praised Xi as a "great leader" and replied, "China-U.S. relations will become the best in history."
According to state-run China Central Television (CCTV), the two leaders said this during a summit that began at 10:26 a.m. at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing after an official welcome ceremony at 10 a.m. (local time) at the east gate square of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
In opening remarks, Xi welcomed Trump's first visit to China in nine years, saying, "The world is accelerating into a great transformation unseen in a century, and the international situation is crisscrossed with change and turmoil. The world stands at a new crossroads."
He added, "Whether the two countries can overcome the so-called 'Thucydides Trap,' whether we can open a new type of major-power relations, whether we can respond to global challenges together and inject more stability into the world, whether we can jointly enhance the welfare of our peoples and the shared future of humanity and jointly pioneer a bright future for our relations—these are questions posed by history, the world, and the people," noting, "They are also the answers of our times that we, as leaders of major countries, must write together."
The Thucydides Trap Xi referred to describes a situation in which, as a rising power emerges and threatens the status of an established hegemon, the two countries fall into intense tension and conflict.
Congratulating the United States on the 250th anniversary of independence, Xi said, "The common interests between China and the United States are greater than our differences. Each side's success is an opportunity for the other, and stability in China-U.S. relations is a positive for the world," adding, "When our two countries cooperate, we both benefit; when we confront each other, everyone gets hurt. We should be partners, not rivals, help each other succeed, and achieve shared prosperity."
Trump said, "We have been together for a very long time. In fact, one could say the two of us have built the longest-lasting personal relationship of any heads of state in the history of our two countries. A great honor," adding, "I think our relationship is very good. And whatever difficulties or setbacks arose, we have always been able to resolve them."
He continued, "I can call President Xi, and President Xi can call me. When problems arise, we can find solutions very quickly through communication," adding, "We have a very great future between us."
Trump said, "President Xi is a great leader. I have always said President Xi is a great leader," adding, "And the delegation I lead is also composed of the world's top business leaders. All 30 corporations wanted to come, and the chief executive officers all came in person. This shows respect for China and for you, Mr. President."
He added, "They also look forward to trade and commercial cooperation," noting, "I am very much looking forward to our discussions today. This visit is more important than any other."