Xi, Trump praise past friendship, downplay current rivalry at dinner – as it happened
Following an unprecedented reception upon landing, formal proceedings – including talks – between the two leaders took place today
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Trump greeted Xi with a handshake, followed by a show of the US’ military might with a flyover by a B-2 Spirit bomber and four F-22 Raptors, as well as a silent military drill. In speeches, both Xi and Trump said that their countries could achieve much by focusing on common interests, and Xi warned about the dangers of AI.
The leaders then retired to the Oval Office, where Xi stressed Beijing’s position on Taiwan, urging Trump to “carefully” consider the US’ position and oppose Taiwan independence, according to Chinese state media.
Xi later said that the two countries, which have been locked in a long-running trade war, had achieved a “new joint arrangement” on trade after a new round of negotiation.
Meanwhile, US first lady Melania Trump accompanied Peng to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, before both couples reunited for a state dinner.
At the dinner, the two gave speeches to toast the bilateral relationship. Trump said that while he and Xi represent different systems, “the ties between our people endure, and we’ve never gotten along better,” adding the two could “continue to build a relationship that promotes prosperity and security for future generations”.
Citing the two countries’ partnership in World War II – and explicitly naming Japan as their shared foe in that conflict – Xi said the China-US friendship was one “forged in blood and fire” that will “live on through the generations”.
Reporting by Teresa Frontado, Mark Magnier, Pinghui Zhuang, Lucy Quaggin, Nayan Seth, Han Li, Khushboo Razdan, Vincent Chow, Holly Chik, Siqi Ji and Dewey Sim
All times given in blog entries are Eastern Time (UTC-5, HKT-13)