BEIJING: Xi Jinping has called for the United States and China to act as “partners, not rivals” ahead of crucial high-stakes discussions in Beijing with US President Donald Trump.
In response, Trump praised Xi as a “great leader” and expressed optimism that relations between the two major powers would become “better than ever before,” BBC reported.
Despite the positive tone, major contentious issues are expected to dominate the talks, including tariffs, technological competition, tensions surrounding Taiwan, and the ongoing Iran conflict.
Ahead of the formal meeting, Xi welcomed Trump with a handshake on the red carpet outside the Great Hall of the People. The leaders were also received by cheering children and a ceremonial military guard of honour.
Trump is accompanied in China by several prominent technology executives, including Elon Musk of Tesla and Jensen Huang of Nvidia. Prior to his arrival, Trump stated that he would urge China to further “open up” its economy to American businesses.
Having last visited China in 2017, Trump returns to a more assertive and economically confident China that is increasingly projecting itself as a stable global power.
The two leaders are expected to attend a formal state banquet later this evening following their bilateral talks.
(Inputs from BBC)
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