China Welcomes Trump Visit, Calls for ‘Respect and Equality’ in Bilateral Relations
China said Wednesday it welcomes the upcoming state visit of US President Donald Trump, stressing the importance of “respect, equality and mutual benefit” in relations between the two countries to provide “more stability and certainty to the world.”
Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said diplomacy between heads of state plays an “irreplaceable role” in guiding relations between China and the United States.
Guo stated that China “welcomes President Trump’s state visit to China,” adding that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will exchange views on major issues related to bilateral ties as well as global peace and development.
“The two sides will act in the spirit of respect, equality and mutual benefit and provide more stability and certainty to the world,” he said.
Trump is scheduled to visit China from Wednesday to Friday in what will mark the first visit by a sitting American president to the country in nearly nine years. Discussions are expected to focus on the Middle East conflict, Taiwan, trade, tariffs and advanced technology issues.
The US president is accompanied by several chief executives from major American companies, although First Lady Melania Trump is not participating in the trip.
Ahead of the visit, Trump said his “very first request” to Xi would be to “open up” China further to American businesses, describing the idea as highly beneficial for both countries.
