OAN Staff Addie Davis
7:56 AM – Thursday, May 14, 2026
President Donald Trump continued his trip to Beijing, attending a state banquet where he and President Xi delivered remarks on the shared history and interests of the United States and China.
Both leaders delivered speeches, pausing for translators, at the Thursday dinner, which followed earlier bilateral talks focused on economic cooperation and the current conflict in the Middle East, according to the White House.
Speaking first, Xi recognized the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence and noted how diplomatic doors between the two nations were reopened during the presidency of Richard Nixon. During Trump’s years as president, Xi noted the multiple meetings and phone calls between them, keeping relations “generally stable.”
“We both believe that the China-U.S. relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world,” Xi said, with a translator relaying the remarks in English.
“Both China and the United States stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals,” he added.
Xi pointed out that the U.S.-China relationship not only affected the citizens of both nations, but also involved the interests of the entire world.
Ending his remarks, Xi toasted the prosperity of China and the U.S. and their future friendship, also wishing health to the American president and those in attendance.
Referencing the earlier meetings, Trump described the conversations as “positive and productive” during his remarks at the banquet, noting the dinner presented further opportunity to continue discussions.
Trump highlighted the centuries-long ties between the two countries, dating back to the first American delegation that arrived in China in 1784.
“Two-and-a-half centuries later, that first connection has grown into one of the most consequential relationships in world history,” the U.S. president said.
He noted the contributions between the two peoples, including Chinese workers laying railroad tracks to connect the eastern and western coasts of the United States, and Americans sharing literacy and modern medicine in the East Asian nation.
President Theodore Roosevelt played a key part in the establishment of Tsinghua University — the higher education institution that Xi attended — by providing funding, Trump explained. He also highlighted the alliance between China and the U.S. during World War II.
Shifting to cultural examples, Trump noted the popularity of Chinese cuisine in the U.S., saying Chinese restaurants in America outnumber the five largest fast-food chains combined. In turn, he mentioned the love of basketball and blue jeans, hallmarks of American identity, in China.
“The American and Chinese people share much in common,” Trump said. “We value hard work; we value courage and achievement; we love our families; and we love our countries.”
Using these shared values, he said the two nations have a chance to create a future of greater prosperity, cooperation and peace.
Cementing diplomatic ties and reciprocating the welcome he received in Beijing, Trump invited President Xi and his wife, First Lady Peng Liyuan, to the White House on September 24th.
“I would now like to raise a glass and propose a toast to the rich and enduring ties between the American and Chinese people. It’s a very special relationship,” Trump said, thanking Xi for the state visit.
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