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Trump's First Visit to China After Inauguration, Accompanied by 30 Business Leaders
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The world's attention is focused on the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.
On November 14 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump, who is on a state visit to China for the first time in nine years since taking office, concluded the first day of his summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He reportedly expressed satisfaction, stating, "The results are outstanding."
Prior to their private meeting, both sides engaged in a tense opening exchange during their opening remarks at 10 a.m. (local time) today, setting the stage for the "summit of the century" that will continue for the next two days.
American political columnist Gene Cummings translated the opening remarks exchanged by the two leaders in public and analyzed the future issues.
Cummings commented, "In their public statements, both sides chose the language of 'management' and 'cooperation' over 'confrontation.' However, despite the friendly atmosphere of the public statements, significant issues still lie between the two countries, including Taiwan, semiconductors, tariffs, market opening, the Iran war and energy security, and military balance."
He predicted that the two leaders would focus on four key agenda items during this summit: trade and tariff negotiations, the Iran war and energy security, the Taiwan issue, and regulations on advanced technology and AI.
Furthermore, the world's top business leaders accompanying Trump are reportedly hoping to achieve a "fully reciprocal" trade deal through expanded access to the Chinese market, stabilization of the semiconductor and rare earth supply chain, large-scale purchases of Boeing aircraft, and increased imports of American agricultural products.
Cummings stated, "China is likely to present the withdrawal of high U.S. tariffs and the easing of technology export controls as its main demands, while the U.S. is likely to present the stability of the Taiwan Strait and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, i.e., maritime security issues related to Iran, as its primary demands." He particularly highlighted the "hidden" biggest issue of the talks as "supply of critical minerals such as rare earths and technology controls in the AI and semiconductor fields."
He also diagnosed that this summit has the potential to be a historic meeting that goes beyond a mere courtesy call, shaping a new framework for U.S.-China relations by 2026.
Meanwhile, while major media outlets are not discussing it extensively, it is speculated that North Korea issues, utilizing China's influence, could also be a quiet back-channel agenda item in the closed-door negotiations, given President Trump's repeated expressions of willingness to resume dialogue with Kim Jong Un.
The following is the full translation of the opening remarks exchanged by the two leaders in public before the private meeting, as translated by Gene Cummings.
Opening Remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping
"It can be said that the whole world is watching right now. Currently, a great transformation unseen in a century is accelerating, international dynamics are undergoing profound changes, and China-U.S. relations are facing many new problems and challenges.
The common interests of China-U.S. relations are greater than our differences, the success of each country is an opportunity for the other, and the stability of China-U.S. relations is a positive force for the world.
If both sides unite, it will benefit both, and if they fight, both will be harmed. We should be partners, not adversaries. We should help each other achieve and prosper together. We must walk the path of how great powers in the new era should interact correctly.
I look forward to exchanging views with you, Mr. President, on major issues concerning our two countries and the world. Together, we must guide the course and hold the helm for the sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, making 2026 a historic and symbolic year for China-U.S. relations, one that bridges the past and opens up the future.
I will conclude my remarks here. Please, Mr. President, you have the floor."
Opening Remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump
"Thank you. This has been a rare honor among anything I have seen. I was particularly impressed with the children.
The children looked happy. They were beautiful. Not to mention the military. It couldn't have been better. But the children were truly amazing, and they symbolize so much. And I know they symbolize a lot to you as well.
You and I have known each other for a long time now. In fact, I know it's the longest relationship that any president has had in the relationship between our two countries. And that's an honor to me.
We have had a fantastic relationship. We have resolved difficulties when they've arisen. I've called you, and you've called me. And whenever there's been a problem, and people don't know it, but whenever there's been a problem, we have solved it very, very quickly.
And we will have a fantastic future together going forward. I have great respect for China, for what you've accomplished, and for you.
You are a great leader. I tell everyone that. I say you are a great leader. And sometimes people don't like me saying that, but I say it anyway. Because it's true. I only tell the truth.
And I want to speak on behalf of the entire great delegation that we've brought today. We've brought the greatest business people, the biggest business people, the greatest business people in the world, in my opinion. Truly amazing people. And they are all with me. Every single one of them.
We asked for the top 30 people in the world, and they all said 'yes.' I didn't want the number two or number three people in the companies. I only wanted the very best. And they are here today. To pay tribute to you and to China.
They are looking forward to trade and good business. And on our side, it will be fully reciprocal.
So I'm really, really looking forward to our discussions. This is a big discussion. Some people say this may be the biggest summit in history. They say this is unprecedented. Speaking for the United States, people aren't talking about anything else right now.
It's an honor to be here with you. It's an honor to be your friend. And the relationship between China and the United States will be better than ever before.
Thank you very much. Thank you."
Lim Yo-hee More by this author