Busan: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday renewed his call for deeper cooperation between China and the United States, saying the world’s two largest economies should act as “partners and friends” rather than rivals, as “history and reality demand.”
Delivering his opening remarks at a high-stakes meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Busan, Xi acknowledged the differences between the two countries but emphasized that such friction was “normal” given their global economic stature.
“It feels very warm seeing you again. Since your reelection, we have spoken by phone three times, exchanged several letters, and stayed in close contact,” Xi told Trump. “Given our national circumstances, it is natural for the two leading economies in the world to have differences now and then.”
Xi said both leaders must “stay on the right course” and “steer steadily the giant ship of China-US relations” through challenges, stressing that China’s development complements Trump’s vision to make America great again.
“Our two countries can help each other succeed and prosper together,” Xi said. “China and the US should be partners and friends—this is what history has taught us, and what reality demands.”
The Chinese President also highlighted recent progress in economic talks, saying both nations’ trade teams had reached a “basic consensus” on major issues, paving the way for renewed dialogue.
“Encouraging progress has been made,” Xi noted. “This provides the necessary conditions for our meeting today. I’m ready to work with you to build a solid foundation for China-US relations and foster a positive environment for both countries’ growth.”
Xi praised Trump’s role in global peace efforts, citing his contributions to the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the joint declaration on peace between Cambodia and Thailand. He added that China had also supported peace efforts in the region, helping both Southeast Asian countries address their border disputes.
“Mr. President, you care deeply about world peace and are committed to resolving regional hotspots,” Xi said. “The world faces many challenges, and China and the US can jointly shoulder our responsibilities as major powers to achieve concrete outcomes for our nations and for humanity.”
The meeting marks a significant step toward stabilizing bilateral relations amid ongoing trade tensions. Trump’s tariff policies and China’s restrictions on rare earth exports have unsettled global markets, increasing the urgency for dialogue.
Ahead of the meeting, US officials indicated that Trump was unlikely to proceed with his threat of a 100% tariff on Chinese imports, while Beijing signaled readiness to ease restrictions on rare earth exports and resume soybean purchases from the US.
Arriving for the meeting, Trump greeted Xi on a red carpet lined with American and Chinese flags, calling him a “very tough negotiator,” and saying their talks would focus on long-standing trade and economic issues.
