President Donald Trump wrapped up his first full day in China with a banquet where he toasted Chinese President Xi Jinping after scheduled meetings between the world leaders and many of the business executives that joined the trip.
The day kicked off with Trump arriving at the Great Hall and shaking hands with Xi, who also shook the hands of the U.S. delegation in attendance, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump’s son Eric Trump and White House communications director Steven Cheung, among others.
The Chinese military band gave a nod to U.S. tradition by playing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and a cannon was fired in Tiananmen Square. Troops and school children performed routines to close out the ceremony before the leaders went inside.
Meetings end in Iran nuclear agreement
During a bilateral meeting with Xi, Trump and the U.S. delegations discussed the relationship between the two countries.
“You’re a great leader,” Trump told Xi. “It’s an honor to be your friend.”
According to a readout from the White House, Trump had a “good meeting” with Xi. They reportedly discussed ways the two countries could “enhance economic cooperation.”
Several top business executives joined Trump for the state visit. They attended parts of the bilateral meeting.
Leaving the room, former Department of Government Efficiency leader and Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the meetings were “wonderful” and there were “many good things.” Apple CEO Tim Cook gave the White House press pool a thumbs-up.
The White House said that Trump highlighted the need to end the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
Trump’s visit and the meeting came with the backdrop of the Iran war and the ceasefire on shaky ground. It was unclear to what end Xi would agree with Trump about the military action, given China is a key ally of Iran.
The two sides agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and Xi said China is opposed to the strait being militarized or charging a toll for passage. The White House said Xi “expressed interest” in purchasing more American oil to reduce China’s reliance on the strait in the future.
Both the U.S. and China agreed that Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon,” the White House said.
Cheung declined to say what was discussed about Taiwan. The U.S. stance on Taiwan is that China believes Taiwan is part of its country but maintains a strong but unofficial relationship with Taiwan leaders.
Banquet dinner
U.S. officials arrived at the Great Hall of the People for a state banquet. According to the White House press pool, Musk was asked how his meetings with Xi went and replied that “it was awesome” before he was led away by Rubio.
Once Trump and Xi arrived at the banquet, Xi, in translated remarks, said the people of China and the U.S. were great people. He praised Trump’s MAGA movement and said China was achieving a “great rejuvenation” and America was being made great again.
“Together holding hands, we can help each other succeed in advance, the well-being of the whole world,” he said.
Trump, in his remarks, said he would be inviting Xi to visit the White House on Sept. 24. Xi last visited the White House in 2015 after being invited by former President Barack Obama.
The president thanked Xi for the “beautiful welcome” to China. He said he would like to raise a glass and toast to the “rich and enduring ties” between the two countries. Trump notably does not drink alcohol after his brother died from a heart attack caused by alcoholism. However, the president raised his glass and took a sip before putting it down to honor the toast.
“It is a very special relationship, and I want to thank you again. This has been an amazing time,” Trump said.
Trump shared that they had an “extremely positive and productive” conversation with the Chinese delegation earlier in the day.
The president is expected to participate in more discussions and events on Friday.