President Donald Trump expressed his gratitude to President Xi Jinping during a state banquet held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. He referred to Xi as "my friend" while addressing the Chinese delegation gathered for the official dinner.
“It was a fantastic day, and I especially want to thank President Xi, my friend, for this magnificent welcome. It truly was an unparalleled reception, and for hosting us so generously on this historic state visit,” Trump stated during the banquet, according to a video released by the White House's official rapid response account.
The U.S. leader also highlighted the fruitful discussions that took place earlier in the day: “We had extremely positive and productive talks today with the Chinese delegation. Tonight offers another cherished opportunity to converse among friends about some of the matters we discussed today, all benefiting both the United States and China.”
The central events of the visit included a ceremonial welcome with military honors, a bilateral meeting lasting approximately two hours with Xi Jinping, a visit to the Temple of Heaven, and the state banquet in the evening.
Following the bilateral meeting, Trump was even more forthright: “The relationship between China and the U.S. is going to be better than ever,” the U.S. president stated.
For his part, Xi Jinping congratulated the United States on the 250th anniversary of its founding during the bilateral meeting.
The U.S. delegation accompanying Trump featured Secretary of State Marco Rubio and entrepreneur Elon Musk, highlighting the diplomatic and business dimensions of the visit.
This trip to Beijing, occurring from May 13 to 15, marks Trump’s first visit to China since November 2017, when he was also received with a state banquet at the same venue.
The meeting is part of a détente process following an intense trade war between the two superpowers, with tariffs reaching 145% from the United States and 125% from China, suspended through a truce agreed upon in October 2025 in Busan, South Korea.
Before departing, Trump had previewed the summit’s focus from Air Force One: “We’re going to discuss many things with President Xi, primarily trade,” he noted.
A working lunch is scheduled for Friday between the two leaders before Trump’s return to the United States, which could yield the first tangible outcomes of this historic visit.
Key Insights from Trump’s Visit to China
What was the main focus of Trump's visit to China?
The primary focus of Trump's visit to China was trade discussions with President Xi Jinping.
Who were the key figures in Trump's delegation to China?
The U.S. delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and entrepreneur Elon Musk, emphasizing both diplomatic and business aspects of the visit.
When did Trump's visit to China take place?
Trump's visit to China occurred from May 13 to 15.