Xi Jinping sent a message of cooperation and de-escalation between China and the United States during the official dinner held in honor of Donald Trump in Beijing. For his part, the American president spoke of a “magnificent reception” and invited Xi to visit Washington on September 24.

Describing Trump’s visit to Beijing as “historic,” the Chinese president attempted to politically connect the Chinese vision of “national rejuvenation” with the American president’s slogan “Make America Great Again.” “Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and ‘Make America Great Again’ can move forward together,” he said.

For his part, the American president invited Xi and his wife to the White House on September 24, 2026.

The Chinese president began his speech with a toast, warmly welcoming the American president and the U.S. delegation.

Xi made special reference to the fact that 2026 marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence of the United States. “The people of China and the people of the United States are two great peoples,” he said.

As he noted, the two countries “can help each other succeed and promote the prosperity of the entire world.”

Xi Jinping also stressed that “the two countries must be partners and not rivals,” at a time of intense geopolitical and economic competition between the two superpowers. “The world is changing and is in turmoil,” he said, pointing out that U.S.–China relations affect not only the 1.7 billion people living in the two countries, but also the more than 8 billion people living around the world.

Both sides must “live up to” this responsibility, Xi said.

Trump: “U.S.–China relations are among the most important in human history”

Donald Trump also spoke warmly about Xi Jinping and China’s hospitality during his own speech at the official dinner in Beijing, following the Chinese president’s toast. The American president described the reception he received as “magnificent, like no other,” personally thanking Xi for “this wonderful welcome.”

“It was a great honor to be with you,” Trump said, referring to the earlier talks between the two delegations. According to him, discussions with the Chinese leadership were “extremely positive and productive,” while he described the dinner as “a valuable opportunity to discuss among friends some of the issues we examined today.”

Trump further emphasized that relations between the United States and China are “among the most important relationships in human history.” During his toast, the American president also chose to refer to the historical ties between the two peoples.

He specifically noted that Benjamin Franklin had published sayings of Confucius in his newspaper, presenting the U.S.–China relationship as one with deep historical roots.

Trump also referred specifically to the role of Chinese workers in building the American railroads, highlighting their contribution to the development of the United States. At the same time, he attempted to highlight shared cultural elements between the two societies. “The Chinese love basketball and wear blue jeans,” he said. “The American and Chinese peoples have a lot in common,” he added.

At the end of his speech, he invited Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to the White House on September 24, 2026.

Elon Musk the main attraction

Elon Musk attended the official dinner organized by China in honor of Trump and the American delegation.

His presence in the hall drew the attention of several attendees, who approached him asking to take photos with him.