President Xi says China and US must 'never mess' bilateral ties, hails 'historic' Trump visit

Beijing (Web Desk): Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for stronger and more stable relations between Beijing and Washington, saying the two nations must avoid damaging one of the world’s most significant diplomatic partnerships and instead focus on cooperation.

Speaking at a state banquet hosted for US President Donald Trump and his delegation at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said both countries had the ability to grow and prosper together rather than compete against one another.

He asserted that China’s national revival and America’s ambitions for renewed greatness could progress side by side, adding that both powers could contribute positively to global prosperity and mutual success.

The Chinese president stressed that Beijing and Washington both recognize the importance of their bilateral relationship, describing it as the most influential partnership in the world.

He said it was essential for both governments to ensure ties remain stable and avoid actions that could disrupt relations.

US President Donald Trump is currently on a three-day state visit to China, becoming the first sitting American president to travel to the country in nearly a decade.

Earlier on Thursday, Xi and Trump held high-level talks in Beijing, which the White House later characterized as productive and positive.

Although Xi avoided directly referring to Taiwan during his address, he once again used language linked to the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” a phrase often associated with Beijing’s long-term goal of reunification with the island.

Xi said that despite evolving global circumstances, both he and Trump understood the expectations of their respective nations as well as the broader international community. He noted that through repeated meetings and telephone conversations, both leaders had managed to keep China-US relations generally steady.

Calling Trump’s trip “historic,” Xi said both countries benefit from collaboration while confrontation only leads to losses, emphasizing that China and the United States should view each other as partners rather than adversaries.

The Chinese president also pointed to growing instability around the world, saying the relationship between the two powers directly impacts billions of people globally. He urged both sides to take responsibility for maintaining peace and stability by guiding bilateral ties in the right direction.

President Xi said Trump had also expressed support for building a constructive relationship based on strategic stability to ensure long-term, healthy, and sustainable development in China-US ties, which he said could bring greater peace, prosperity, and progress worldwide.

The two leaders are scheduled to meet again on Friday for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and a working lunch before Trump departs for Washington.