Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for closer cooperation with the United States, saying Beijing and Washington should view each other as partners rather than rivals.
Xi made the remarks after arriving in Washington on Wednesday, September 23, for a state visit at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. Trump personally welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at Joint Base Andrews.
In a written statement released by China’s state news agency Xinhua, Xi said the two countries had longstanding ties between their peoples and deeply intertwined interests.
“China and the United States should be partners rather than rivals,” Xi said, adding that China’s goal of national rejuvenation and Trump’s “Make America Great Again” vision could coexist and benefit both sides.
Calls for Stable Relations
Xi said Beijing and Washington should work toward a stable relationship based on cooperation, managed competition, controlled differences and the prospect of peace.
He said he looked forward to discussing bilateral relations and major issues affecting the international situation with Trump.
Xi also said that the historical logic of peaceful coexistence between China and the United States had not changed, while the two countries’ peoples continued to maintain a desire for friendship.
Trade, AI and Iran on the Agenda
The closely watched Trump-Xi meeting is expected to cover a range of sensitive issues, including trade, technology and artificial intelligence, as well as broader strategic matters.
The war in the Middle East and China’s relationship with Iran are also expected to feature in the discussions. AFP reported ahead of the visit that Washington and Beijing were seeking common ground on trade disputes, AI and wider strategic issues.
Xi said he was confident that the two sides could find an appropriate way to manage their relationship.
“I am confident that we can achieve this,” Xi said, expressing hope that the visit would benefit the people of both countries and contribute to world peace.
Xi’s September 23–25 visit is his first trip to the United States in three years and comes after Trump visited China in May. The two leaders are making reciprocal visits within six months.
