There was no “big, fat hug” from Xi as Trump promised last month, but the pair had an extended handshake and Trump later offered him several warm pats on the arm as they toured the plaza.
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Garrett Haake breaks down the symbolism of Trump’s welcome ceremony
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The two leaders exchanged praise in their opening remarks, with Trump hailing their “fantastic relationship.” He said he had “such respect” for Xi and China, praising him as a “great leader.”
“We’ve gotten along when there were difficulties, we worked it out,” Trump said.
Xi said the world had “reached a new crossroads” and that the U.S. and China had a responsibility to work together.
“We should be partners, not rivals, achieve success for one another, prosper together and forge a correct way for major countries of the new era to get along with each other,” he said.
Xi, who pushed back against Trump’s tariffs last year in an escalating tit-for-tat, said the U.S. and China had made progress on trade talks and repeated past comments that “trade wars have no winner,” according to the readout.
He said he welcomed the “generally balanced and positive outcomes” achieved in the latest round of talks, which were held Wednesday in South Korea and led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng.
The bilateral meeting ended after about two hours and 15 minutes, after which the two leaders made a brief visit to the Temple of Heaven, a historic Beijing site from the imperial age.
Trump and Xi posed briefly for a photo below the steps of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, part of a vast architectural masterpiece that dates to 1420. Asked about the talks, Trump said they were “great.”
“Great place, incredible. China is beautiful,” he said.
Trump’s demeanor had shifted noticeably, however, by the time he and Xi arrived at the Temple of Heaven. Gone were the warm gestures and pats. Instead the two leaders barely exchanged remarks during the tour, while Trump wore a serious expression.
