Trump, Xi strike warm tone in Beijing, call for partnership over rivalry

US President Donald Trump on Thursday described Chinese President Xi Jinping as “a great leader”, as the two leaders opened high-stakes talks in Beijing focused on contentious issues including the Iran war, trade tensions and Taiwan.

Responding to Trump’s remarks, Xi said China and the United States should be “partners, not rivals”, setting a conciliatory tone at the start of a summit closely watched across the world.

Xi welcomed Trump with a handshake at Great Hall of the People, where an elaborate reception underscored the symbolic importance of the meeting despite deep strains between the world’s two largest economies.

‘A fantastic future together’

Addressing Xi during the opening remarks, Trump said ties between Washington and Beijing were poised to improve.

“The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before. We’re going to have a fantastic future together,” Trump said, praising Xi’s leadership.

“It’s an honor to be with you. It’s an honor to be your friend,” he added, calling the welcome ceremony one of the most exceptional he had witnessed.

Trump also highlighted his long personal rapport with Xi, saying both leaders had repeatedly resolved disputes through direct communication.

“Whenever we had a problem, we worked it out very quickly, and we’re going to have a fantastic future together,” he said.

‘Partners, not rivals’

Xi, welcoming Trump on his first visit to China since 2017, said the world was at “a new crossroads” amid rising geopolitical instability.

“The whole world is watching our meeting,” Xi said. “A transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe, and the international situation is fluid and turbulent.”

Referring to the long-discussed “Thucydides Trap” — the risk of conflict between rising and established powers — Xi said both nations must avoid confrontation.

“A stable China-US relationship is a boon for the world. Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. We should be partners and not rivals,” he said.

Grand welcome in Beijing

Xi hosted Trump with a formal ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, including military honours, the playing of both national anthems and a cannon salute.

Schoolchildren waving Chinese and US flags greeted the leaders, chanting “welcome, welcome”.

Xi also met senior US officials accompanying Trump, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, both long seen as outspoken critics of Beijing.

The two leaders are expected to attend a state banquet later in the evening.

Trump is also scheduled to visit the historic Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site once used by Chinese emperors to pray for good harvests.

The US President arrived in Beijing aboard Air Force One on May 13 for the two-day summit, accompanied by leading business figures including Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, signaling a strong commercial focus during the visit.

The trip marks the first visit by a sitting US President to China in nearly a decade. Trump last travelled to China in 2017, alongside former First Lady Melania Trump.