Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the historical depth of Sino-US relations during a state dinner in Washington, urging both nations to build a 'constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability' as they navigate contemporary challenges. Speaking at the event hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Xi outlined the evolution of bilateral ties, from early trade to wartime collaboration and modern people-to-people exchanges, framing the partnership as a cornerstone of global stability.
Xi highlighted the 200-year-old commercial foundation of Sino-US interactions, noting that the newly independent United States established trade links with China to meet mutual needs. He recounted a personal historical anecdote, stating that President George Washington amassed a significant collection of Chinese porcelain, underscoring the cultural and economic interdependence that has shaped their relationship over centuries.
The Chinese leader reflected on World War II, recalling how Chinese and American forces collaborated against Japanese militarism. He described the Hump air route across the Himalayas and the rescue of hundreds of American pilots by Chinese soldiers and civilians during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, calling the resulting 'friendship forged in blood and fire' a legacy to be preserved.
Xi credited the 1970s 'Ping-Pong diplomacy' with rekindling Sino-US ties, citing the political leadership of Mao Zedong and Richard Nixon for leveraging table-tennis exchanges to normalize relations. He also referenced the collaboration between American environmentalist Ronald Sakolsky and Chinese desert-control worker Yin Yuzhen, whose 20-year tree-planting partnership exemplified how grassroots efforts could strengthen diplomatic bonds.
The president linked the future of Sino-US relations to the national ambitions of both countries, noting that Trump's 'Make America Great Again' agenda and China's 'national rejuvenation' goals could be 'mutually reinforcing.' He stressed that cooperation must prioritize the responsibilities of major powers and the broader implications for global stability, citing recent high-level engagements as evidence of renewed diplomatic momentum.
Xi and Trump's discussions, he said, added 'new substance' to the goal of strategic stability, with the leaders agreeing to build on historical ties rather than let differences define their relationship. He noted the historic pace of their bilateral engagement, including Trump's May visit to China and Xi's reciprocal state visit, which he called 'a new chapter in our friendly relations.'
Closing his remarks, Xi raised a toast to Trump, his wife, and the 'beautiful flowers of Sino-US friendship,' emphasizing that the peoples' enduring bond 'holds great promise.' His speech underscored a vision of cooperation rooted in shared history, mutual respect, and the imperative to address global challenges through sustained dialogue.