Beijing, China — President Donald Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting in Beijing on Thursday, telling Xi that “it’s an honor to be your friend” as the two leaders discussed trade, energy security, and tensions involving Iran and Taiwan.
Speaking during the public portion of the summit, Trump described the meeting as potentially one of the most significant diplomatic summits in recent history and said relations between the United States and China would become “better than ever before.”
According to the White House, Trump and Xi met privately for more than two hours. Discussions focused heavily on business ties, global energy markets, and instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran conflict. Both governments agreed the waterway must remain open to maintain global energy shipments.
Chinese officials also said Xi raised concerns over Taiwan, calling it the most sensitive issue in U.S.-China relations. China warned that support for Taiwanese independence could damage ties between the two nations.
The White House summary of the meeting did not specifically mention Taiwan, despite bipartisan pressure from lawmakers in Washington urging Trump to reaffirm U.S. support for the island’s security and autonomy.
Trump has largely avoided confrontational rhetoric toward Xi during the trip, taking a notably friendlier tone than in previous disputes over trade, tariffs, and military influence in the Pacific region.
Sources:
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
