President Trump said Friday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping have struck some “fantastic trade deals” and both want an end to the Iran conflict during this week’s summit in Beijing, as both countries look to chalk up the visit as a victory – and aim to keep their relationship on solid footing after last year’s trade war.
The leaders of the two superpowers are holding a bilateral meeting and lunch at China’s seat of power – the Zhongnanhai Garden grounds – late Friday morning local time, before Mr Trump leaves China and returns to Washington. They met for tea and strolled through the centuries-old gardens, mostly out of earshot of reporters.
In brief on-camera remarks, Trump called the trip an “incredible visit” and said “a lot of good came out of it.” He gave no details Friday about any trade deals between the two countries, but said a day earlier that China had agreed to buy American aircraft and agricultural products.
Beyond trade, Mr. Trump said the two leaders “feel very similar about Iran” and noted that both countries want the Strait of Hormuz – a key chokepoint through which 20% of the world’s oil normally flows – to reopen.
Mr Trump also said Xi is expected to visit the US in September.
“The relationship is very strong and we have really done some wonderful things,” said the US president.
Mark Schiefelbein
The two presidents previously met on Thursday in a closed-door session that lasted about two hours and 15 minutes and covered topics such as trade, Iran and Taiwan. Mr. Trump called the meeting “great.”
Mr Trump told Fox News after the formal meeting on Thursday that Xi had said he would not give Iran military equipment, which the US president called a “big statement”. It remains to be seen whether Xi follows through. Mr Trump also told Fox News that Xi wanted to help with the reopening Strait of Hormuzwhich has effectively been closed. China is Iran’s largest oil customer.
On the subject of trade, Mr. Trump said Fox News On Thursday, China agreed to buy Boeing jets and American soybeans
Both countries are also trying to stabilize their economic ties after last year’s trade war, which briefly saw the two countries impose tariffs of over 100%. It’s not clear whether the two sides are close to a comprehensive trade deal, but the Trump administration is pushing for Chinese commitments to buy U.S. goods and the U.S. is trying to preserve American access to Chinese rare earth minerals.
A number of Top business executives took part in the President’s visit. When asked how the meetings went, Elon Musk said the conversations were “wonderful” and that they achieved “a lot of good things.” Apple’s Tim Cook gave the press a thumbs-up sign.
According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Mr. Trump at Thursday’s meeting of possible “clashes and even conflicts” if that were to happen Taiwan issue is not “handled properly”. It was a stern warning, but the US made no mention of Taiwan in its readout of the meeting. Mr. Trump and Xi ignored questions about Taiwan.
Mark Schiefelbein / AP
Taiwan is central to China’s interests as it promises to regain control of the island and refuses to rule out the use of military force to achieve that goal. The U.S. has opposed any unilateral change in Taiwan’s status and has provided billions of dollars in military assistance to the island, but has a policy of not directly saying whether it would defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion by China.
A regional source confirmed to CBS News’ Margaret Brennan that China brought up Taiwan in Thursday’s talks. The US then acknowledged Beijing’s position and reiterated Washington’s position, and the conversation moved on to the next topic. A senior administration official told CBS News’ Sara Cook that both sides reiterated their long-stated stance on the issue and each understands the other’s position.
Xi welcomed Mr. Trump with a lavish state visit, including a state dinner featuring an instrumental version of “YMCA,” one of the president’s favorite songs. During the banquet, Mr. Trump said he was inviting Xi and his wife to a reciprocal visit to the White House on September 24.
Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool
Mr Trump is not expected to hold a news conference with reporters before departing Beijing, although it is always possible he will answer questions on the plane.
The US president had planned to visit China earlier this spring, but cited the war with Iran as the reason for the postponement.
