U.S. President Donald Trump salutes next to Chinese President Xi Jinping before delivering remarks at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on September 24, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for the world’s two biggest economies to “strengthen communication” as he arrived at the White House on Thursday (September 24, 2026), adding that the rivals have a shared responsibility to advance human development.
“China and the United States, as two major countries, shoulder a historic responsibility of advancing human development and progress,” he said. “We should strengthen communication.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the “truly great friendship” he has forged with Mr. Xi Jinping as the Chinese leader began his highly anticipated state visit.
“From the time of my first election in 2016, President Xi and I have forged a friendship, a truly great friendship, actually, built on mutual respect and the vital interests of our people,” Mr. Trump said.
Mr. Trump laid on the pomp and ceremony, treating Mr. Xi to a formal welcome at the White House before they moved to talks in the Oval Office and finally a grand state banquet in the evening.
While Mr. Trump has many thorny issues to discuss with the president of America’s biggest economic rival, he focused on his long relationship with Mr. Xi as the two gathered with aides for opening remarks before formal talks.
With AFP, AP inputs
Published – September 24, 2026 08:02 pm IST
