Xi Calls for Closer US-China Cooperation Ahead of Talks; Says US, China Should Be Partners, Not Rivals

Washington: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for closer cooperation between Beijing and Washington, striking a conciliatory tone just hours after President Donald Trump personally welcomed him to the US capital on Wednesday evening.

In remarks carried by state news agency Xinhua, Xi framed the two nations as natural partners rather than adversaries, pointing to a long history of friendly ties between their peoples and describing their interests as tightly interwoven. The two leaders had earlier shaken hands on a red carpet as Xi arrived in Washington, setting the stage for high-stakes talks expected to cover trade tensions, competition over artificial intelligence and other technology, and China's continued backing of Iran.

Xi indicated he was eager for substantive discussions with Trump on the broader state of bilateral relations and global affairs. He described his vision for the relationship going forward as one built primarily on cooperation, with competition kept within limits, disagreements kept manageable, and prospects for peace preserved.

In an apparent gesture toward Trump's political branding, Xi suggested that China's national resurgence and America's own ambitions to reclaim its former stature were not mutually exclusive goals, and could in fact advance together.

He said the two sides should "chart a correct path for two major powers" to get along, Xinhua reported.

"I am confident we can achieve this," said Xi.

Xi added that he expected the visit to produce positive outcomes that would benefit both nations' citizens and offer renewed hope for global peace.