Leaders attend state banquet; Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets US business executives
Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at a state banquet for Donald Trump as the U.S. president looks on, on May 14. Xi hails the populations of both China and the U.S. as "great peoples." © Reuters
SHANGHAI/TOKYO -- U.S. President Donald Trump is making his first visit to China in nearly nine years, as the rival superpowers aim to stabilize their fraught relationship.
The American president arrived Wednesday evening and is scheduled to stay until Friday. The itinerary includes plenty of face time with Chinese President Xi Jinping, from formal bilateral talks to a state banquet, tea and lunch.
The leaders have much to discuss: the Iran war, trade and export controls, tensions over Taiwan, and artificial intelligence. Trump has brought an entourage of corporate executives including Tesla's Elon Musk, Apple's Tim Cook and Nvidia's Jensen Huang. There are high expectations that the president will help seal commercial deals for aircraft and U.S. farm goods.
Xi warns Trump that handling Taiwan issue 'poorly' risks a 'clash'
Set to host Trump, Xi targets stability under cloud of Iran uncertainty
China Inc.'s global growth curbs Trump tariff powers undercut by courts
Trump-Xi summit: 5 things to watch as world's most powerful men meet
Trump-Xi meeting keeps Taiwan on edge, eyeing subtle US shifts
6:40 p.m. In a banquet speech, Xi says that China's population of 1.4 billion draws on the heritage of 5,000 years of civilization, while 300 million Americans in the U.S. are marking the country's 250th anniversary this year. He refers to them both as "great peoples."
"The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand," Xi says.
Trump speaks next and says he is inviting Xi and his wife to visit the White House on Sept. 24.
"The American and Chinese people share much in common," Trump says. "We value hard work. We value courage and achievement, we love our families and we love our countries. Together we have the chance to draw these values to create a future of greater prosperity, cooperation and happiness and peace for our children."
6:20 p.m. Here's the place setting for Trump at tonight's banquet.
5:55 p.m. Trump is arriving back at the Great Hall of the People for a state banquet with Xi, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
5:41 p.m. The White House released this short summary of today's "good" talks. There is no mention of Taiwan. The notes about Chinese investment in the U.S. and purchases of American oil will draw attention, but the details remain to be seen.
5:00 p.m. Chinese Premier Li Qiang met business leaders, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook, on Thursday afternoon. Footage of the meeting showed BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and Meta President Dina Powell McCormick also in attendance.
"I see many familiar faces and old friends," Li said in televised opening remarks. He stressed that "China and the U.S. can and should continue to be friends and partners."
4:40 p.m. There have been no surprises from the summit so far, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council says, according to Reuters. It says Taipei remains in close contact with Washington.
