Trump-Xi Meet: US President Donald Trump on Thursday hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House in Washington, DC, in an attempt to reset the strained ties between the two countries. Trump hailed the "truly great friendship" he has forged with Xi as the Chinese leader began his highly anticipated state visit.
US, China Must Hold The Line Of No Conflict: Xi
Xi, addressing the White House summit, said they should coexist in peace. "China and the United States, as two major countries, stand to gain from cooperation, and will both lose in confrontation. Our competition should be a healthy one and should be kept within bounds. China and the United States must hold the line of no conflict and no confrontation between us. Our two militaries should maintain regular dialogue and improve mechanisms for crisis communication and prevention. The Thucydides trap can be overcome," he added.
While Trump has many thorny issues to discuss with the president of America's biggest economic rival, he focused on his long relationship with Xi as the two gathered with aides for opening remarks before formal talks.
"From the time of my first election in 2016, President Xi and I have forged a friendship, a truly great friendship, actually, built on mutual respect and the vital interests of our people," Trump said.
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What Are The Key Agendas Of Trump-Xi Meet?
It is is expcted that the duo may discuss a range of issues, including trade tariffs, technology, AI, military ties, conflicts in the Middle East, the Russia-Ukraine war, the arms race in space and US arms sales to Taiwan. Trump said he and his Chinese counterpart will discuss security, technology, and artificial intelligence during Xi's visit to Washington.
The Chinese delegation comprises Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the General Office of the Central Committee, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee.
Xi Gets Rare Airport Reception By Trump
Earlier on Wednesday, Xi arrived in Washington on a three-day visit to a warm welcome from Trump, who received him at the airport amid pomp and fanfare. The aircraft carrying Xi and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan touched down at the Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at 5.39 pm local time on Wednesday (3.09 am IST, Thursday) for the second summit meeting with Trump in less than six months.
Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump were waiting at the foot of the ladder as Xi and Peng disembarked from the aircraft at 6.01 pm local time (3.31 am IST). This was for the first time since 1962 that a US president had welcomed a leader of a foreign nation at the airport. That year, then president John F Kennedy had welcomed British prime minister Harold Macmillan at the airport.
After a brief welcome exchange, the two power couples walked down the 100-foot red carpet as a 21-person honour cordon stood in attention, and the US Air Force Band played amid ceremonial cannon fire. Two B-1 bombers of the US Air Force flew over the airbase as the band played the national anthems of the US and China.
(With Agencies Inputs)
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