The US President praised the host as a “great leader.” “Sometimes people don’t like it when I say it, but I say it anyway because it’s true,” Trump continued. “It’s an honor to be your friend.”
According to Trump, Xi’s return visit to the White House in Washington will take place on September 24th. The Republican announced the date of his invitation to the state banquet that evening. Xi described the relationship between the two countries as “the most important bilateral relationship in the world.”
Bitter trade conflict
The world’s two largest economies are embroiled in a bitter trade conflict. Host Xi said he believes the common interests between the US and China are greater than the differences. The respective success of both countries is an opportunity for the other, Xi said. Trump started a tariff dispute last year that escalated. A Xi-Trump meeting in South Korea in the fall brought a temporary tariff break. But the big hit didn’t happen at that time.
High-ranking US business representatives speak to Beijing
The US President was accompanied by a large business delegation, including tech billionaire Elon Musk and Apple boss Tim Cook. The head of chip manufacturer Nvidia, Jensen Huang, was also there. The semiconductors produced by the company are considered particularly important for the development of artificial intelligence. Nvidia boss Huang described the summit to journalists as “one of the most important in human history.”
The Iran war was an issue
The Iran war was also a topic of discussion. The USA has long been hoping for help from China in securing the Strait of Hormuz, which is important for the transport of oil and liquid natural gas. China is usually the largest buyer of Iranian oil. But so far there has been no help. According to the statement from the White House, both sides agreed that the strait must remain open for the transport of energy. Accordingly, Xi is said to have made clear China’s rejection of the militarization of the road and is also against charging for passage. He is also said to have shown interest in buying more American oil.
