United States President Donald Trump on Thursday described Chinese President Xi Jinping as “a great leader” and “a friend” as the two leaders opened a high-profile summit in Beijing focused on trade, the Middle East conflict and US arms sales to Taiwan.
The two-day meeting marks Trump’s first visit to China since 2017 and comes at a politically sensitive moment for the US president, whose approval ratings have reportedly been affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran and escalating global economic uncertainty.
The summit began with a formal welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi greeted Trump on a red carpet before the leaders held talks alongside senior officials and business executives.
Among those accompanying Trump are several prominent American business leaders, including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang.
Trump said one of his key objectives during the visit would be to encourage China to further open its markets to American industries.
“You’re a great leader. Sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway,” Trump told Xi during opening remarks.
“There are those who say this may be the biggest summit ever. It’s an honour to be with you and the relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before,” he added.
Xi emphasised the importance of cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
“Each country’s success represents an opportunity for the other, and a stable China-US relationship benefits the entire world,” Xi said.
“When we cooperate, both sides benefit; when we confront each other, both sides suffer.”
The talks are expected to focus heavily on preserving a fragile trade truce reached last year after both countries stepped back from a damaging tariff dispute that disrupted global markets.
Washington is reportedly seeking expanded Chinese purchases of American products, including aircraft, agricultural goods and energy exports, while Beijing wants the US to ease restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology and chipmaking equipment.
The conflict involving Iran is also expected to feature prominently in discussions, with Trump likely to urge China to use its influence to encourage Tehran to negotiate with Washington.
Meanwhile, tensions over Taiwan remain a major sticking point between the two powers.
China has strongly opposed a proposed US arms package for Taiwan reportedly valued at $14 billion, while Washington maintains it is legally obligated to assist the island in maintaining its self-defence capabilities.
The summit will continue with additional meetings, cultural visits and a state banquet before concluding on Friday.