President Donald Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday to begin a high-stakes summit between the world’s two largest economies. Trump arrived in the Chinese capital Wednesday evening U.S. time with a delegation that included Cabinet members and top business executives. The group was greeted by China’s Vice President Han Zheng.
During a face-to-face meeting, Trump praised Xi as “a great leader,” acknowledging that he sometimes faces criticism for using the term. “You are a great leader. I say it to everybody, you are a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it because it’s true. I always say the truth,” Trump told Xi. At a state dinner, he invited Xi and his wife, Madam Peng, to visit the White House on September 24.
Trump emphasized the historical and cultural ties between the United States and China, highlighting shared respect dating back 250 years. He cited contributions of Chinese immigrants to U.S. infrastructure, the popularity of American exports in China, and the growth of Chinese restaurants in the U.S. as evidence of the long-standing bond. “This bond of commerce and respect that stretches back 250 years is the foundation for a future that benefits both of our nations,” Trump said, noting shared values such as hard work, courage, and dedication to family.
During the dinner, Trump toasted the relationship between the two countries as “one of the most consequential relationships in world history,” calling for continued cooperation to create prosperity, peace, and opportunity for future generations. Xi echoed the sentiment, calling the U.S.-China relationship “the most important bilateral relationship in the world.” He stressed that both nations benefit from cooperation and risk setbacks from confrontation, stating, “Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals.”
The summit reflects ongoing efforts to address economic, trade, and geopolitical issues between Washington and Beijing. Trump and Xi’s meeting comes after multiple prior encounters, including Trump hosting Xi at Mar-a-Lago in 2017 and both leaders meeting at international summits in South Korea, San Francisco, Argentina, and Japan. Officials say the talks aim to strengthen economic ties while managing ongoing regional and global challenges.