Welcoming Trump, Xi says the US and China should be ‘partners rather than rivals’

The US and China should be “partners rather than rivals,” Chinese President Xi Jinping tells US President Donald Trump ahead of their bilateral talks in Beijing.

“I always believed that the common interests between China and the US outweigh their differences,” Xi says. “Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both.”

Xi adds that he wants 2026 to be a “landmark year” in the countries’ relations.

“This year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. I extend my congratulations to you and to the American people,” Xi says. He adds, “I firmly believe the common interests between China and the United States are bigger than our differences.”

“Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both,” Xi continues. “The two countries should be partners rather than rivals, achieve success together and pursue common prosperity, and chart a correct path for major-country relations in the new era.”

Trump tells the Chinese leader: “You’re a great leader, sometimes people don’t like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it’s true.”