President Xi Jinping stressed the significance of China’s relationship with the United States in his address at a state banquet in honour of President Donald Trump on Thursday.
“We have always found that this is the most important bilateral relationship in the world,” Xi said when making a toast to Trump in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.
The two countries should be partners rather than opponents, Xi said.
Trump said that the American and Chinese people had “much in common.”
“We value hard work. We value courage and achievement. We love our families, and we love our countries together,” he said.
Looking to the future, the U.S. president said: “We have the chance to draw these values to create a future of greater prosperity, cooperation, and happiness and peace for our children.”
The banquet brought Trump’s first day in Beijing to a close.
He is to hold further talks with Xi on Friday before departing for the U.S.
During the visit, Trump invited Xi to visit Washington on Sept. 24.
The U.S. side had announced some time ago that a visit would take place, without setting a date.
dpa/NAN
