Xi Jinping, Trump call for stable China-US ties at White House state Dinner

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump called for greater stability and cooperation in China-US relations during a lavish state dinner at the White House.

Speaking at the dinner, Xi said the two countries must act as “responsible major countries” and meet the expectations of their peoples. He said both sides had agreed to build a “constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability” following what he described as sincere and in-depth discussions between the two leaders.

Xi also said the two countries were “making history” through their bilateral engagement and urged Washington and Beijing to explore a “new approach for major countries to get along”. He added that the goals of China and the US could be mutually reinforcing if both sides worked together.

Trump, in his remarks, said relations between the two leaders had never been better and raised a toast to a future of “harmony, peace and success” for the two countries.

The dinner, hosted by First Lady Melania Trump, brought together senior US officials, billionaire business leaders and leading technology executives, including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

The evening featured a menu built around American ingredients with subtle Chinese influences, including sesame-crusted sea bass, braised bok choy and roasted eggplant. Xi was also presented with a bald eagle sculpture by Trump as a symbol of the American spirit.