Trump and Xi Reflect on Strong U.S.-China Ties

President Trump described the U.S.-China relationship as “very strong,” emphasizing the successful problem-solving they’ve achieved together. This assertion came on the final day of his visit to Beijing, where he shared his thoughts with President Xi Jinping at Zhongnanhai Garden, stating, “This visit was wonderful. I think a lot of good things happened.”

He expressed a deep respect for Xi, saying, “I want him to be a true friend. We’ve known each other for nearly 12 years, and we’ve tackled numerous issues that others couldn’t, which makes our relationship quite solid.”

Trump reflected on their accomplishments, mentioning, “We’ve achieved some really great things.” These comments followed tea and a working lunch at the luxurious compound of the Chinese Communist Party, where Xi resides.

Xi, in a gesture of goodwill, noted that he chose the location to reciprocate the hospitality shown to him at Mar-a-Lago back in 2017. Additionally, he promised to send rose seeds from China to Trump as a gift, to which Trump cheerfully replied, “I love that. That’s great.” He then referenced “some great trade deals” that had been made, though he didn’t delve into specifics.

The two leaders also reiterated their shared stance on Iran, agreeing that they both seek to end the conflict and that the Iranian regime is not interested in nuclear weapons. They expressed a mutual desire for the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage, to remain open for trade. “We discussed a lot of other things, but I think we’re very much in agreement,” Trump added.

As the conversation wrapped up, Trump promised “reciprocity as well as trade reciprocity” during Xi’s upcoming visit to Washington later in the year. “We’re going to settle it,” he remarked about their coming meeting in September, assuring, “You’re going to walk away as impressed as I am with China.”