Trump and Xi Meet, Highlighting Ties While Acknowledging Differences

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for a state visit on September 24, with both leaders emphasizing the strength of bilateral ties while acknowledging their nations represent different systems. Trump highlighted the enduring bond between the two peoples, while Xi referenced a "new historical turning point" in relations. Trump hosted Xi with elaborate ceremonies, including a state dinner at the White House where he referenced the first Chinese diplomatic mission to the U.S. 158 years ago. Xi responded by recalling shared history, including cooperation against Japanese militarism and ping-pong diplomacy, while calling for both nations to demonstrate "great power responsibility." The visit included extensive protocol, with Trump personally greeting Xi at the airport and White House, and a dinner decorated in red, China's symbolic color. Xi's remarks were interpreted as proposing a new international order where the U.S. and China coexist as G2 powers.