Trump And Xi Meet In Beijing: First Statements Made

• 14.05.2026, 9:15

The presidents' speeches began with an exchange of friendly messages.

US President Donald Trump has met with Chinese leader Si Jinping in Beijing. The first statements of the presidents have already appeared, UNIAN reported.

According to JI, Xi Jinping said in his speech that his country and the US should be partners, not rivals.

"China and the US can only gain from cooperation and only lose from confrontation. We should be partners, not rivals," he said.

Also, Xi Jinping shared that he has always believed that his country and the US have many common interests. "I have always believed that our two countries have more common interests than differences. The success of one is an opportunity for the other," he said.

Separately, Xi touched on Taiwan, calling it "the most important issue in Sino-US relations":

"If it is not properly resolved, the two countries may clash or even come into conflict."

In general, the Chinese leader even called the meeting with the White House chief a landmark and one that the whole world is watching.

In turn, Trump praised the greatness of the Chinese leader:

"You, Xi Jinping, are a great leader. I say this to everybody: you are a great leader. People don't like that I say that, but I say it anyway because it's the truth. I only tell the truth."

In addition, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump will seek China's help in dealing with the war with Iran during his visit. And Beijing expects to use the meeting to stabilize trade relations with the US.