Xi hosts Trump at state banquet, describes China-US ties as ‘most important’

Updated By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1352 EAT on Thursday 14 May 2026

Xi Jinping said China-US relations remain the world’s most important bilateral relationship.

He said ties between the two countries affect the wellbeing of their combined population of 1.7 billion people, as well as the interests of more than 8 billion people globally.

The Chinese president concluded his remarks with a toast to the future development and continued relations between the two nations.

The welcoming banquet is set to begin in the coming minutes.

A live broadcast from the venue showed officials and members of the US delegation mingling inside the banquet hall ahead of the event.

Among those seen at the venue were Pete Hegseth, Stephen Miller and Apple⁠� chief executive Tim Cook. Elon Musk was already seated as several guests approached him for photographs.

The banquet hall was decorated in a traditional Chinese style, featuring a ceremonial gate backdrop and table arrangements inspired by classical Chinese architecture.

Journalists and officials have now gathered inside the banquet hall — known as the Golden Room — at the Great Hall of the People, as preparations continue ahead of the leaders’ arrival.

Beneath large chandeliers and traditional Chinese lanterns, a prominent orange banner dominates the centre of the hall, creating the impression of a sunset-lit sky.

The display features the flags of both the United States and China above the words “Welcoming Banquet”.

Members of the US delegation were seen standing in small groups across the hall ahead of the event.

Among those present were Pete Hegseth and Stephen Miller. Elsewhere in the room, Marco Rubio was seen speaking with Scott Bessent and other officials.

With Donald Trump in Beijing, questions have emerged over whether he might make an unscheduled stop for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

However, there appear to be no preparations in place for such a meeting, though it cannot be ruled out, according to an unnamed South Korean Foreign Ministry official quoted by the Yonhap news agency.

Trump and Kim last met in 2019 in the Demilitarised Zone separating the two Koreas in a hastily arranged encounter, following a social media post in which Trump suggested he could meet Kim “just to shake his hand and say Hello.”

Since then, Trump has repeatedly signalled interest in another meeting, including remarks made last October ahead of a visit to South Korea.

Kim, meanwhile, has said he retains a “good memory” of Trump but has insisted that Pyongyang would only return to talks if Washington drops its demand for North Korea’s denuclearisation.

The Kremlin has announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to China “very soon,” according to Russia-backed broadcaster RT.

No specific date for the visit has been confirmed. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that all preparations for the trip have been completed.

Putin last visited China in September 2025, when he attended a major military parade in Beijing and a regional summit.
Russian media had previously reported that the visit could take place as early as next week.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping held what the White House described as a “good meeting,” according to an official readout.

The statement said both sides discussed ways to deepen economic cooperation, including expanding access for US companies to the Chinese market and encouraging greater Chinese investment in American industries. It added that senior executives from several major US firms were present for part of the meeting.

The leaders also addressed efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals into the United States.

On geopolitical issues, the White House said both sides agreed that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. The statement also emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to ensure the free flow of energy.

The readout further noted that President Xi expressed interest in increasing purchases of American oil, in a move aimed at reducing China’s reliance on energy shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The White House did not provide additional details on areas of disagreement, while China’s foreign ministry statement made limited reference to Iran-related discussions.

The talks come amid ongoing efforts by Washington and Beijing to stabilise strained relations marked by trade tensions, security disputes, and competing global influence. While both sides signalled willingness to pursue limited cooperation on economic and security issues, significant differences remain unresolved. Further engagement between the two governments is expected in the coming months as they seek to manage rivalry while preventing further escalation across key geopolitical hotspots.

-BBC

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