Speech at the welcome banquet hosted by United States President Trump
(Washington, September 24, 2026)
The President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping
Dear President Trump and Melania,
Ladies and gentlemen, friends:
Thank President Trump and Melania for their warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements. Mr. and Mrs. Trump made many special arrangements for this visit, showing great care and attention to detail, making us feel like we were in our own home. I would like to extend my sincere greetings to all American people who care about and support the development of Sino-US relations! At this moment, the Chinese people are celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. In Chinese tradition, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a festival of reunion. On this occasion, I wish everyone a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and a happy family!
In May this year, President Trump successfully visited China at my invitation. We agreed to establish constructive strategic stability relations between China and the United States. At that time, President Trump warmly invited me to visit the United States, and now I have come as promised. In just less than half a year, the heads of state of China and the United States have exchanged visits, creating a historical moment in bilateral relations. Today, I had an honest and deep conversation with President Trump, reaching many new consensus. This has enriched the content of constructive strategic stability relations between China and the United States, providing new strategic guidance for Sino-US relations.
Not long ago, the United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence with great joy. I, on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, extended my congratulations. Over the past 200 years, this history has witnessed the friendly exchanges between the people of China and the United States.
Over 200 years ago, when the United States began its independence, it turned its attention to China. Both China and the United States exchanged goods and complemented each other's strengths, thus starting trade relations. President Washington purchased and collected a large number of Chinese porcelain items.
Over 80 years ago, the people of China and the United States fought side by side against Japanese militarist invaders, establishing the famous Hump Air Route. During the War of Resistance Against Japan, Chinese military forces saved hundreds of American pilots, at a cost of hundreds of thousands of lives. This friendship forged through blood and fire will be passed down from generation to generation.
Over 50 years ago, the ping-pong diplomacy between China and the United States opened the long-closed doors of diplomatic relations. Senior politicians such as Chairman Mao Zedong and President Nixon used the political wisdom of "a small ball turning a big ball" to initiate the great process of normalizing relations between China and the United States. The sequoia tree, a special gift presented by President Nixon, is now grown in Zhejiang Province, where I once worked.
More than 20 years ago, an American named Saycocks funded a Chinese desert control expert named Yin Yuzhen to plant trees. Not long ago, this old man returned to China and saw with his own eyes that the desert had transformed into a lush forest. This story moved many Chinese people and serves as an example of friendly exchanges between the Chinese and American peoples.
Sino-US cultural exchanges contribute to promoting spiritual communication between the people of both countries, and lay a solid foundation for friendly cooperation between China and the US.
Ladies and gentlemen, friends!
Reviewing the past can lead to new understanding. Today, Sino-US relations stand at a new historical starting point. President Trump has proposed making America great again, and he has led the American people to achieve significant development achievements. China is committed to realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and its modern construction is constantly creating new opportunities. Both goals are ambitious and can complement each other. We should demonstrate the responsibility of a major power, meet the expectations of the people and the trends of the times, and explore a new way for peaceful coexistence between major powers.
The historical river flows continuously, and the prospects for friendly relations between the Chinese and American peoples are vast. Let us work together to nurture the beautiful flowers of Sino-American friendship and jointly write a new chapter in Sino-American harmony.
I propose:
For the health of President Trump and Melania Presidente
For the prosperity and advancement of China and the United States.
For the friendship between two nations' peoples
Let’s drink to that!
