Trump says US and China “have never agreed better” at state dinner with Xi
Leaders held a state dinner in Washington after three days of talks; officials described "deep" discussions but major issues remain unresolved.
President Donald Trump hosted a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House after three days of meetings, but there were no clear breakthroughs on thorny topics such as artificial intelligence, trade, Taiwan or Iran.
The two leaders and their spouses attended the formal dinner in Washington, where Trump praised the bilateral relationship and framed the visit as a step toward closer cooperation. "President Xi and I understand that we represent different systems, but the ties between our peoples endure and we have never agreed better. Together we can continue to build a relationship that promotes prosperity and security for future generations," Trump said.
Xi will conclude the visit with a trip to the National Archives, where Trump said the Chinese leader will see artifacts tied to American history and items that highlight long-standing cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Key issues discussed
Xi told reporters that he and Trump held "deep" talks and reached a "common understanding" on many issues, but he did not provide details of those discussions. "China and the United States must act as responsible great powers," he said, calling for a new approach to coordination between major countries.
During the bilateral meetings, Xi urged the United States to oppose Taiwan independence, according to Chinese state news reports. He was expected to press Trump to halt an arms sale to Taiwan valued at about $14 billion.
As part of gestures during the visit, Xi invited 100,000 American citizens to study in China and announced that he would send two pandas to a U.S. zoo as a sign of friendship. Despite the cordial tone of the state visit, major policy questions remain unresolved and leaders offered few concrete details.
Photo: AP)
