Copyright timesnownews
At the much-anticipated bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump in South Korea on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his call for a renewed spirit of cooperation between China and the US, saying that the two major economic powerhouses should view each other as partners and friends, insisting that history and current realities demand cooperation rather than confrontation. In his opening remarks in Busan, the Chinese President acknowledged the differences between Beijing and Washington, noting that such friction was "normal" given that both nations are among the world’s leading economies. The Chinese president also emphasised the importance of steering the relationship in the right direction "in the face of winds, waves and challenges". "It feels very warm seeing you again. Since your reelection, we have spoken on the phone three times, exchanged several letters and stayed in close contact. Given our national condition, we don't see eye to eye with each other and it is normal for the two leading economies in the world to have friction now and then," the Chinese President said, according to ANI. "In the face of winds, waves and challenges, you and I at the helm of China-US relations should stay on the right course and steadily sail forward the giant ship of China-US relations. I always say China's development goes hand in hand with your vision to make America great again. Our two countries are fully able to help each other succeed and prosper together. I have stated in public many times that China and the US should be partners and friends. This is what history taught us and reality demands," he added. The Chinese President noted that both countries' economic teams had recently reached a "basic consensus" on addressing major concerns, particularly the trade issue, paving the way for constructive dialogue between the two leaders. "Mr President, I'm ready to continue working with you to build a solid foundation for China-US relations and create a sound atmosphere for the development of both countries," Xi Jinping said. 'Trump Cares A Lot About World Peace' Xi also praised Trump's involvement in global peace efforts, citing his "great contribution to the recent conclusion of the Gaza ceasefire agreement" and his participation in the "joint declaration on peace along the Cambodia-Thailand border." "Mr President, you care a lot about world peace and you're very enthusiastic about settling various regional hotspot issues," Xi Jinping said."The world today is confronted with many tough problems. China and the US can jointly shoulder our responsibility as major countries and work together to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world. I look forward to exchanging views with you on questions important for our two countries and the world," he added, ANI reported. The two leaders of world's top two economies met on Thursday in Busan ahead of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, marking their first in-person interaction since Trump's return to the White House. The two leaders greeted each other with a handshake on a red carpet lined with the US and China flags, before beginning discussions largely focused on trade and economic relations. Trump described Xi as a "very tough negotiator," indicating that their dialogue would centre on long-standing economic disputes. Global attention has been on whether Washington and Beijing can ease tensions that have strained bilateral ties in recent months.Officials from both countries said the talks provided an opportunity to stabilise relations amid ongoing trade friction. Trump's tariff measures and China's restrictions on rare earth exports have contributed to global economic uncertainty, prompting both sides to seek common ground.
