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Trump and Xi open Beijing meeting with calls for cooperation and a focus on trade
Summary
At opening remarks in Beijing, President Xi framed the relationship as at a ‘‘new crossroads’’ and asked whether China and the U.S. could avoid the ‘‘Thucydides trap’’; President Trump praised the ceremony, emphasized a large U.S. business delegation and reciprocal trade, and said relations would improve.
President Xi opened the meeting in Beijing by describing a ‘‘fluid and turbulent’’ international situation and asking whether China and the United States ‘‘can overcome the Thucydides trap’’ and ‘‘create a new paradigm of major country relations.’'
Xi said the two countries have ‘‘more common interests than differences’’ and urged cooperation to ‘‘meet global challenges together’’ and provide stability for the world. He framed 2026 as an opportunity to ‘‘make 2026 a historic landmark year that opens up a new chapter in China‑US relations,’’ and he yielded the floor to the visiting president.
President Trump thanked his host and described the reception as memorable, singling out the children at the ceremony and the military display. ‘‘They were happy. They were beautiful,’’ Trump said of the children, and he called the visit ‘‘an honor’’ and ‘‘a fantastic future together’’ for the two countries.
Trump also emphasized the composition of his delegation, saying it included ‘‘the greatest businessmen, the biggest and I guess the best in the world’’ and that he had asked ‘‘only the top’’ to accompany him. He said the group looks ‘‘forward to trade and doing business’’ and that arrangements would be ‘‘totally reciprocal on our behalf.’'
Throughout the remarks both leaders framed cooperation as mutually beneficial: Xi argued China and the United States ‘‘both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,’’ and Trump said the ‘‘relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before.’'
The opening remarks consisted of ceremonial praise, mutual pledges to cooperate, and an emphasis on trade and economic engagement. The transcript does not specify a date for the meeting. The leaders then proceeded to scheduled discussions outlined by the hosts.
