Xi Says China, US Should Be ‘Partners, Not Rivals’: State Media

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for closer cooperation between China and the United States, saying the two countries should view each other as partners rather than rivals, according to Beijing’s state media.

Xi made the remarks hours after US President Donald Trump welcomed him in Washington on Wednesday evening local time. In written remarks published by state news agency Xinhua, Xi said the Chinese and American peoples had maintained friendly exchanges for years and that the interests of the two countries were closely connected.

The comments came ahead of closely watched talks between Trump and Xi, who shook hands on a red carpet following the Chinese president’s arrival in the US capital.

The discussions are expected to cover several contentious issues, including trade, technological competition — particularly in artificial intelligence — as well as Beijing’s diplomatic and economic support for Tehran.

Xi said he looked forward to “in-depth exchanges” with Trump on major issues affecting bilateral relations and the wider global situation, Xinhua reported.

He called on both sides to work together to establish a stable relationship in which cooperation remains central, competition stays within limits, differences are manageable and peaceful relations remain possible.

Referencing Trump’s political slogan, Xi also said China’s goal of achieving the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” and the US objective of “making America great again” could “fully go hand in hand”.

The Chinese leader said the two countries should “chart a correct path” for two major powers to coexist and cooperate.

“I am confident we can achieve this,” Xi said.

He added that joint efforts by the two sides could make his visit productive, improve the well-being of both peoples and create new prospects for world peace.