BEIJING: President of the United States Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for hosting a “magnificent” and historic state visit, while emphasizing the importance of strong relations between the American and Chinese peoples.
Speaking at a state banquet in Beijing, Trump thanked President Xi and the Chinese leadership for the warm reception extended to the American delegation and described the day’s meetings with Chinese officials as “extremely positive and productive.”
“It was a fantastic day,” Trump said, adding that the visit provided another valuable opportunity for both sides to discuss issues important to both countries.
The US president highlighted the long historical relationship between the peoples of China and the United States, noting that America’s first consul to China, Samuel Shaw, arrived in China aboard the first American trading ship to reach Chinese shores in 1784.
Trump said Chinese merchants at the time referred to Americans as “the new people,” adding that the relationship had since evolved into “one of the most consequential relationships in world history.”
Referring to historical and cultural connections between the two nations, Trump noted that American founding father Benjamin Franklin had published sayings of Chinese philosopher Confucius in his newspaper during the colonial era.
He also pointed to a sculpture of Confucius carved into the building of the Supreme Court of the United States as a symbol of America’s longstanding respect for Chinese civilization and thought.
Trump further extended an invitation to President Xi and China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan to visit the White House in September.
Raising a toast at the conclusion of his remarks, Trump praised what he called the “rich and enduring ties” between the American and Chinese peoples and described the bilateral relationship as “very special.”
“This has been an amazing period of time,” Trump said while thanking President Xi once again for the hospitality extended during the visit.
