Trump's Praises for Xi Jinping During Visit to Beijing
This marks the first visit by a US President to China in the past 10 years. Trump met Xi to enhance trade relations between the two countries amid potential frictions related to Taiwan and Iran.
According to AFP, on Wednesday (13/5/2026), Trump departed from Washington DC on Tuesday (12/5) US time. He arrived in Beijing on Wednesday (13/5) local time.
There had previously been plans for a visit in March, but the US and Israel’s war with Iraq delayed them.
Trump hopes to ease differences over Iran with Xi. He described Xi as ‘relatively good’.
‘I think we do not need any help regarding Iran. We will win it one way or another. We will win it peacefully or otherwise,’ Trump told reporters as he left the White House.
Xi Welcomes Trump with State Dinner and Tea Reception
Trump last visited Beijing in 2017. This time, he returned and was welcomed with a state dinner and tea reception by Xi. On Monday (11/5), Trump said he would also discuss US arms sales to Taiwan during his meeting with Xi. Taiwan is a country with its own democratic government, claimed by Beijing.
Trump was accompanied by a large number of top US business executives, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook, on this visit.
Upon first meeting Xi, the two shook hands in the Great Hall of the People around 10:00 a.m. local time, as reported by AFP on Thursday (14/5). A red carpet was laid out.
After shaking hands, Xi, accompanied by Trump, shook hands with several US officials, including US Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is known throughout his career as a staunch opponent of Beijing.
Trump and Xi then stood in the centre as the Chinese military band played the US national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, followed by the Chinese national anthem accompanied by cannon fire.
Local schoolchildren added to the festive welcome by jumping joyfully in bright colours. They waved US and Chinese flags while shouting.
‘Welcome, welcome,’ they called out.
Trump then walked with Xi past them in the square that served as the ceremony location. During this visit, Trump also visited the historic Temple of Heaven, a World Heritage site where ancient Chinese emperors prayed for bountiful harvests.
Trump’s Praises for Xi
Trump showered Xi with praise during their meeting. Trump described Xi as a great leader. Trump also expressed optimism for the future of China-US relations. He said he felt honoured to be friends with Xi.
‘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, as reported by Anadolu Agency and TRT World on Thursday (14/5).
‘We have a fantastic relationship. We remain in agreement when there are difficulties, we resolve them,’ Trump continued to Xi.
In the Beijing meeting, Trump repeatedly praised Xi’s leadership and China’s development under his government.
‘I greatly respect China, the work you have done. You are a great leader,’ Trump said, offering praise for Xi.
He conveyed that he often praises Xi’s greatness, even though not everyone around him agrees with Trump’s assessment. ‘I tell everyone. You are a great leader. Sometimes people do not like me saying it, but I still say it, because it is true,’ Trump added.
Trump also claimed to have a strong personal relationship with Xi. He said the two leaders consistently manage tensions through direct communication.
‘I will call you, and you will call me, and every time we have a problem – people do not know – every time we have a problem, we resolve it very quickly,’ Trump said.
‘And we will have a fantastic future together,’ Trump added.