Beijing [China], May 14 (ANI): Amid the ornate setting of a state banquet hosted at the Great Hall of the People by Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump celebrated what he described as the “close and historic” relationship between the United States and China, projecting an atmosphere of stability and warmth following a day of high-stakes diplomatic talks.
Describing the discussions as “extremely positive and productive,” Trump thanked Xi for what he called the “great honour” and the “magnificent welcome” ceremony held earlier in the day.
Framing the bilateral relationship as “one of the most consequential relationships in world history,” Trump traced the long history of exchanges between the two countries, from merchant Samuel Shaw’s 18th-century trade links to Benjamin Franklin’s references to Confucian philosophy.
He also cited former US President Theodore Roosevelt’s role in efforts that contributed to the founding of Xi’s alma mater, describing it as part of the longstanding connection between the two nations.
Highlighting cultural ties, Trump said, “Just as many Chinese now love basketball and blue jeans, Chinese restaurants in America today outnumber the five largest fast-food chains in the United States combined,” calling it “a pretty big statement.”
The US president said both societies shared common values such as “hard work,” “courage,” and “achievement.”
“The world is a special world with the two of us united and together,” Trump said.
According to CNN, Trump also extended an official invitation to Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to visit Washington for a White House reception scheduled for September 24.
The evening of diplomatic optimism marked a key moment during Trump’s visit to China, his first since 2017.
Trump’s arrival in Beijing was marked by an elaborate red-carpet welcome hosted by Xi at the Great Hall of the People. A Chinese military band performed the US national anthem while schoolchildren waving colorful pom-poms greeted the visiting delegation.
The carefully choreographed ceremony preceded a high-level summit focused on trade, technology, Taiwan, and broader global security concerns.
The visit marks the first trip to China by a US president since Trump’s previous visit in 2017.
Meanwhile, White House correspondent Emily Goodin of the New York Post posted on X details of the state banquet menu, which featured a mix of Chinese and Western dishes, including hors d’oeuvres, lobster in tomato soup, crispy beef ribs, Beijing roast duck, slow-cooked salmon in mustard sauce, pan-fried pork buns, tiramisu, fruits, and ice cream.
Another White House correspondent, Jon Michael Raasch of The Daily Mail, shared a video on X showing Trump taking a sip of wine during a toast with Xi.
Raasch noted that Trump, who traditionally abstains from alcohol because his older brother died from complications related to alcoholism, took the sip as a gesture of respect toward the Chinese president.
During his remarks, Trump formally invited Xi and Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan to visit the White House on September 24. (ANI)
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