Meeting Trump, Xi Jinping Says China-US Should Be Partners Not Rivals

Chinese President Xi Jinping told US President Donald Trump that the two countries should be “partners and not rivals” during their important talks in Beijing on Thursday (14/5) local time.

Trump, in his response to Xi, said that the US and China would have a “fantastic future together”.

The talks between the two leaders, as reported by AFP on Thursday (14/5/2026), were held after a grand welcoming ceremony for Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday (14/5) morning local time. This marks the first visit by a US President to China in the past decade.

In his talks with Trump, Xi said he was “pleased” to welcome the US President, who last came to Beijing in 2017 during Trump’s first term.

Xi also described this meeting as taking place at a time when “the world has arrived at a new crossroads”.

“Stable China-US relations are a blessing for the world. Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. We should be partners and not rivals,” Xi told Trump during the meeting.

Trump, speaking to Xi, called the meeting with the Chinese President an “honour” for him.

“It is an honour to be with you. It is an honour to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the US will be better than ever before,” Trump said during the meeting with Xi held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Trump added that the two countries would “have a fantastic future together”.

This face-to-face discussion between Xi and Trump is expected to address complex issues, including Iran, Taiwan, and trade matters.

During this visit, Trump has several key priorities, including business deals in agriculture, aircraft, and other sectors. Previously, Trump promised to push Xi to “open” China to US companies.

Trump also expects “long talks” with Xi on the issue of Iran, although he emphasised that the US “does not need any help from China regarding Iran”.