Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon, Eastern Time, beginning a state visit to the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump personally greeted him at the airport. Upon arrival, President Xi issued a written statement, extending sincere greetings and best wishes from the Chinese people to the American people.
In his statement, President Xi noted the long-standing friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American peoples and the deep integration of mutual interests, emphasizing that the two countries 'should be partners, not rivals.' He stressed that the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the goal of 'making America great again' can coexist, complement each other, and benefit the world. The two sides should move toward each other and forge a new path for major countries to coexist in the new era.
On bilateral relations, President Xi recalled that during President Trump's visit to China in May, both sides agreed to build a 'constructive strategic stability relationship.' He called for advancing a stable relationship characterized by cooperation as the main theme, managed competition, controllable differences, and an expectation of peace. Despite changing times, he said, three factors remain unchanged: the historical logic of peaceful coexistence between China and the U.S., the desire of the two peoples for friendly exchanges, and the broad international community's expectations.
President Xi expressed his hope to have in-depth discussions with President Trump on bilateral relations and major international issues, and to engage widely with various sectors of American society, aiming to achieve fruitful outcomes from the visit. Members of the Chinese delegation accompanying him include Cai Qi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR Times
- Category: News