In a highly anticipated diplomatic engagement, United States President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday in Busan, South Korea, marking their first face-to-face meeting in six years. The bilateral talks were held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit and focused on strengthening trade and economic ties between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump was accompanied by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi joined Xi for the discussions held at a South Korean air base.
The two leaders greeted each other warmly on a red carpet adorned with the US and Chinese flags before proceeding for the meeting.
Calling his Chinese counterpart “a great leader of a great country,” Trump described the encounter as a renewal of friendship and cooperation.
“It’s a great honour to be with a friend of mine, really for a long time now — the very, very distinguished and respected President of China. We’ve already agreed to a lot of things, and we’ll agree to some more right now, but President Xi is a great leader of a great country, and I think we’re going to have a fantastic relationship for a long period of time,” Trump said during the meeting.
He further added that Xi is “a very tough negotiator,” expressing optimism about rebuilding what he termed a “fantastic relationship” between Washington and Beijing.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Xi Jinping acknowledged the challenges and differences that exist between the two nations but emphasized the importance of cooperation and mutual prosperity.
“It feels very warm seeing you again. Since your reelection, we have spoken on the phone three times, exchanged several letters and stayed in close contact. Given our national condition, we don't see eye to eye with each other and it is normal for the two leading economies in the world to have friction now and then,” Xi said.
He added that both sides must ensure their relationship moves in a constructive direction.
“In the face of winds, waves and challenges, you and I at the helm of China–US relations should stay on the right course and steadily sail forward the giant ship of China–US relations. I always say China's development goes hand in hand with your vision to make America great again,” Xi remarked.
“Our two countries are fully able to help each other succeed and prosper together. I have stated in public many times that China and the US should be partners and friends. This is what history taught us and reality demands,” he added.
Xi also lauded Trump’s global peace initiatives, particularly his role in facilitating the Gaza ceasefire, calling it “a meaningful contribution to world stability.”
