Chinese President Xi Jinping advocated a cooperative relationship with the U.S. as he landed in Washington for an official visit on Wednesday, according to Xinhua. His arrival statement emphasized stability between the two countries and broader bilateral cooperation, setting out priorities for discussions with President Donald Trump.
The visit follows an understanding that delegates from both sides reached when Trump traveled to China in May. According to Xi, that agreement established a direction for developing constructive ties anchored in strategic stability and would guide the relationship’s further development.
Xi highlighted partnership, rather than rivalry, as the basis for relations. He said China’s pursuit of national renewal could advance alongside Trump’s effort to make America great again, with each country supporting the other’s success and contributing to global well-being.
Cooperation should define the relationship, Xi argued, while competition should remain appropriate and disagreements should be kept under control. He also called for a dependable foundation for peace, saying the two major powers needed to find an approach to coexistence suited to the current era.
His statement linked those goals to the history of exchanges between Chinese and Americans and to what he described as their closely connected interests. Speaking on behalf of the Chinese people, he conveyed goodwill to Americans and praised both nations and their citizens.
Despite changes in the world, Xi said, three foundations of the relationship endured: the historical rationale for peaceful coexistence, the desire of the two peoples for friendly contact, and the international community’s broad expectations of China and the United States.
The diplomatic message accompanied an elaborate arrival ceremony at Joint Base Andrews. Xi reached the base on Wednesday afternoon, Eastern Time, traveling at Trump’s invitation. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump personally welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on the tarmac, an unusual reception.
Xinhua described a ceremony featuring a military flyover and a 21-gun salute, with the Chinese and American national anthems played. Honor guards stood beside the red carpet, and an American child gave flowers to Xi and Peng.
Along the route to the hotel, overseas Chinese representatives and students gathered to greet the presidential motorcade. They stood on both sides of the road carrying Chinese and U.S. flags.
For the visit’s discussions, Xi said he wanted detailed exchanges with Trump on major bilateral questions and international affairs. He sought to give greater substance to their framework for constructive, strategically stable ties and to broaden opportunities for contact and cooperation in different fields.
Xi also expressed interest in meeting Americans from a range of backgrounds to strengthen friendship. He said he was confident that efforts by both sides would make the trip successful, improve people’s well-being in the two countries and reinforce hopes for world peace.
