BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that the United States and China should be “partners rather than rivals,” stressing the need for cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
Xi held a banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to welcome US President Donald Trump on his state visit to China.
The banquet was attended by top leaders and American business figures, including Elon Musk and Tim Cook.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday held a banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to welcome U.S. President Donald Trump on his state visit to China.
"Looking back at the course of China-U.S. relations, whether or not we could have mutual respect, peaceful… pic.twitter.com/lCHGa49aFR— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) May 14, 2026
Addressing the gathering, Xi said that the US and China must ensure their relationship “works” and must “never mess it up”.
The Chinese President said the China–US relationship remains the most important bilateral relationship in the current world. “We must make it work, and never mess it up,” Xi said.
He said continued cooperation would bring mutual benefit, while confrontation would harm both nations and global stability, China’s official Xinhua news agency reported.
“Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals,” he added.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday held a banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to welcome U.S. President Donald Trump on his state visit to China.
Addressing the banquet, Xi said the China-U.S. relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the… pic.twitter.com/fHmPZi3m3Z— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) May 14, 2026
Constructive China-US relationship
Xi also said that the two sides agreed to build a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability to promote the steady, sound, and sustainable development of China-US relations, and bring more peace, prosperity and progress to the world.
“Looking back at the course of China-US relations, whether or not we could have mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation is the key to whether the relationship can advance steadily,” Xi said.
Noting that China-US relations concern the well-being of the over 1.7 billion people of both countries and affect the interests of the over 8 billion people of the world, Xi said both sides should rise up to this historical responsibility and steer the giant ship of China-US relations forward steadily and in the right direction.
President Xi offers a toast at the state banquet dinner in Beijing: “To the bright future of China-U.S. relations, and the friendship between the two peoples, and to the health of President Trump and all of the friends present.” pic.twitter.com/VmJeU4Xk1f
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 14, 2026
Trump hails positive talks with Xi
Addressing the banquet, Trump said the two sides had positive and constructive conversations.
Noting that the US-China relationship is the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world, Trump said the two countries should strengthen cooperation to create a better future for the world.
Trump hailed “extremely positive” talks with Xi.
.@POTUS delivers remarks at the state banquet dinner at the Great Hall of the People: “It was a fantastic day, and in particular, I want to thank President Xi, my friend, for this magnificent welcome… and for so graciously hosting us on this very historic state visit.” pic.twitter.com/lcFTC7wUY9
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 14, 2026
Trump’s trip to Beijing is the first by a US president in nearly a decade, with the grand reception belying a host of unresolved trade and geopolitical tensions between the two countries.
The two leaders rounded off the first full day of a closely watched summit in the Chinese capital with the banquet in a red-carpeted dining room in the lavish Great Hall of the People.
“There are those who say this may be the biggest summit ever,” Trump told Xi after a ceremony that featured an honour guard and throngs of children waving flowers and flags at the Great Hall.
Trump also said he had invited Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to visit the White House on September 24.
.@POTUS extends an invite to President Xi and Madame Peng to visit the White House this September, proposes a toast at the state banquet dinner in Beijing:
“To the rich and enduring ties between the American and Chinese people. It’s a very special relationship.” pic.twitter.com/HdrRIJ6KMX
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 14, 2026
Servers in traditional red clothing were seen bustling between colourfully adorned tables, where attendees dined on dishes including Beijing roast duck, pork buns and tiramisu.
Friday’s schedule will involve further talks between the two top leaders, as well as a tea reception, before Trump boards Air Force One for his flight back to Washington.
