On the evening of September 24 local time, U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania hosted a welcome dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at the White House.
When Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan arrived at the White House, Trump and Melania warmly welcomed them. The heads of state took a photo together, and met with the guests attending the banquet.
After the banquet began, Xi Jinping and Trump delivered speeches respectively.
Xi Jinping sent greetings and festive wishes to all American sectors concerned with the development of US-China relations on the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Xi Jinping pointed out that in May this year, President Trump successfully visited China. In just less than half a year, the heads of state of China and the United States met with each other, creating a history of exchanges between the two countries. This visit also led to many new agreements, enriching the content of the constructive strategic relations between China and the United States, and providing new strategic guidance for Sino-US relations.
Xi Jinping emphasized that over 200 years ago, when the United States first gained independence, it began to look towards China. Both China and the United States exchanged goods and complementary resources, thus initiating trade relations. Over 80 years ago, the people of both China and the United States fought side by side against Japanese militarist invaders. This friendship forged through blood and fire will be passed down from generation to generation. Over 50 years ago, the “Table Tennis Diplomacy” opened the door to long-forgotten exchanges between the two nations. The older politicians of China and the United States, using the political wisdom of “a small ball turning a large ball,” initiated the great process of normalizing relations between China and the United States. Over 20 years ago, an American named Saycott supported Chinese sand control activists Yin Yuzhen in planting trees. Their story touched many Chinese people and serves as an example of friendly exchanges between the people of both China and the United States. Cultural exchanges between China and the United States help promote spiritual communication between the two peoples and lay a solid foundation for friendly cooperation between the two countries.
Xi Jinping pointed out that today, Sino-US relations stand at a new historical starting point. President Trump aims to make the United States great again, and China is committed to realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Both goals are ambitious and can complement each other perfectly. Both sides should demonstrate the responsibilities of a major power, meet the expectations of the people and the trends of the times, and explore a new way for the correct coexistence between major powers. History continues to flow relentlessly, and the prospects for friendly relations between the Chinese and American peoples are vast. Both sides should work together to nurture the beautiful flowers of Sino-US friendship and jointly write a new chapter in Sino-US friendship.
Trump said that during my visit to China in May this year, the warm and friendly spirit of the Chinese people left a deep and pleasant impression on me. Tonight, people from both countries gather together to celebrate the friendship between the United States and China, which has spanned thousands of miles and endured for hundreds of years. Both the United States and China have long histories and cultures, and our peoples have maintained long-term friendly exchanges. Although we have different systems, the friendship between the US and China remains strong over time. I wish to work with President Xi Jinping to uphold mutual respect, continue to nurture the friendship between the two countries, and bring lasting prosperity and security for future generations.
The banquet was friendly and lively. During the meal, American artists performed wonderful cultural programs.
Cai Qí, Wang Yì, He Lìfēng et al. attended the banquet.
