Xi and Trump Meet in Busan to Steer China-US Ties Toward Stability
On the morning of 30 October local time, Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with US President Donald Trump in Busan.
President Xi noted that under our joint stewardship, China-US relations have remained generally stable. The two countries serving as partners and friends is both a lesson from history and a necessity of the present. Given our differing national circumstances, some differences are inevitable. As the world's two largest economies, occasional friction is also quite normal. In the face of storms and challenges, the two heads of state, as helmsmen, should steer the course and navigate the overall situation, ensuring the steady progress of the China-US relationship. I am willing to continue working with President Trump to lay a solid foundation for China-US relations and create a favourable environment for the development of both countries.
President Xi emphasised that China's economic development is progressing well, with a growth rate of 5.2% in the first three quarters of this year and a 4% increase in global goods trade imports and exports. These achievements were attained despite internal and external difficulties and are hard-won. China's economy is like an ocean, possessing considerable scale, resilience and potential. We have both the confidence and capability to address various risks and challenges. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China reviewed and adopted the proposal for the national economic and social development plan for the next five years. For over 70 years, we have adhered to a consistent blueprint, with successive generations building upon each other's efforts. We have never sought to challenge or replace anyone, but rather focused our energies on managing our own affairs, striving to become a better version of ourselves, and sharing development opportunities with countries around the world. This has been a key factor in China's success. China will further deepen reform across the board and expand opening-up, striving to achieve effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth in the economy, promote the all-round development of individuals and common prosperity for all people. We believe this will also open up broader space for China-US cooperation.
President Xi noted that the economic and trade teams of both countries had engaged in in-depth exchanges on key economic and trade issues, reaching a consensus on resolving problems. Both teams should promptly refine and finalise follow-up work, safeguarding and implementing this consensus to deliver tangible outcomes that provide reassurance to both China and the United States, as well as the global economy. Recent twists and turns in Sino-US economic and trade relations have offered insights to both sides. Economic and trade ties should remain the ballast and propulsion engine of bilateral relations, not stumbling blocks or points of conflict. Both sides should focus on the broader picture, prioritising the long-term benefits of cooperation rather than becoming trapped in a vicious cycle of retaliation. Negotiating teams can continue discussions based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and reciprocity, steadily reducing the list of issues while expanding the scope of cooperation.
President Xi emphasised that dialogue is preferable to confrontation. Communication channels and dialogue at all levels between China and the US should be maintained to enhance mutual understanding. Cooperation prospects are promising in areas such as combating illegal immigration and telecommunications fraud, anti-money laundering, artificial intelligence, and responding to infectious diseases. Relevant departments should strengthen dialogue and exchanges to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation. China and the US should also engage in constructive interaction on regional and international stages. The world today faces numerous challenges. China and the United States can jointly demonstrate the responsibility of major powers, working together to accomplish more significant, practical and beneficial endeavours for both nations and the world. Next year, China will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, while the United States will host the G20 summit. Both sides can offer mutual support to ensure positive outcomes from both summits, thereby contributing to global economic growth and improving global economic governance.
President Trump stated that it was an honour to meet with President President Xi. China is a great nation, and President Xi is a respected and great leader, as well as a good friend of mine for many years. We get along very well. US-China relations have always been good and will be even better in the future. I hope for a brighter future for both China and the United States. China is America's largest partner, and together the two countries can accomplish great things in the world. Future US-China cooperation will achieve even greater success. China will host the 2026 APEC Leaders' Informal Meeting, while the United States will host the G20 Summit. We look forward to the success of both events.
The two heads of state agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, economy and energy, to promote people-to-people exchanges, and to maintain regular communication. President Trump looks forward to visiting China early next year and has extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping to visit the United States.