Xi describes US-China relationship as 'giant ship' amidst Trump's visit to Beijing

• Trump and Xi discussed trade, Taiwan, and global conflicts
• The two leaders backed reopening the Strait of Hormuz
• Xi urged cooperation and warned against rivalry with the US
• Trump called the meeting the “biggest summit ever”
• US business leaders joined Trump during the China visit

President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday (13) for a state visit and held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The two leaders discussed trade, Taiwan, global conflicts, energy security, and economic cooperation during meetings in the Chinese capital.

Trump later attended a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People. Chinese state media said the meeting focused on improving communication and managing differences between the two countries.

During the opening meeting, Trump described the talks as the “biggest summit ever.” He praised his relationship with Xi and said it was an honor to meet him. Trump also said relations between China and the US would improve significantly.

Xi called for stronger cooperation between the two countries. He said China and the US should view each other as partners instead of rivals. Xi said cooperation would bring mutual gains, while confrontation would lead to losses for both sides.

Xi also described the relationship as a “giant ship” that must be carefully guided through global challenges. He added that he hoped 2026 would be a historic milestone, opening a new chapter in China-US relations.

Trade and business ties were a major focus during the visit. Xi said economic cooperation between the two countries benefits both sides. He said recent trade talks produced balanced and positive results for China, the US, and the wider world.

Xi added that trade wars produce no winners and said equal consultation remains the correct way to solve disputes and friction. Trump also said future business ties would be “totally reciprocal on our behalf.”

Trump told Xi that the White House invited the “top 30” business leaders globally to join the Beijing visit and all accepted. He said he specifically wanted CEOs to attend the trip.

Several major American business leaders joined the visit. Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly gave a thumbs-up when asked about his meetings in Beijing. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang described his talks as “excellent.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he hoped to accomplish “many good things” in China.

Xi later met US business leaders separately and said American companies would continue to see broader opportunities in China. He also said China’s doors “will only open wider” for foreign businesses.

Taiwan remained another key issue during the summit. China repeated that Taiwan is the “core” of its national interests. Xi warned Trump of possible “clashes and even conflicts” over the self-governed island.

Taiwan responded by saying peace across the Taiwan Strait remains a global and regional consensus. Taiwan also thanked the United States for its continued support and said it remains in close contact with Washington on diplomacy and national security.

The leaders also discussed global conflicts, including tensions in the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis, and the Korean Peninsula. Trump and Xi agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should reopen to protect global energy supplies.

The two sides also discussed expanding Chinese purchases of American agricultural products and reducing the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States.

Trump also visited Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven before attending the state banquet later in the day.