Natural To Have Friction, Ties Should Be On Right Course: Xi Jinping Tells Donald Trump

President Donald Trump on Thursday voiced confidence in forging a "fantastic relationship" with Chinese President Xi Jinping as the two leaders met face-to-face in South Korea after six years - a significant diplomatic engagement amid escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.

At the meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, "A few days ago, in a latest round of consultation, our two economic and trade teams reached a basic consensus on addressing our respective major concerns and made encouraging progress. This provided the necessary conditions for our meeting today. President Trump, I am ready to continue working with you to build a solid foundation for China-U.S. relations and create a sound atmosphere for the development of both countries.

The Chinese President hailed Trump for his efforts towards global peace and regional stability. He noted, "President Trump, you care a lot about world peace, and you're very enthusiastic about settling various regional hotspot issues. I appreciate your great contribution to the recent conclusion of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

During your visit to Malaysia, you witnessed the signing of the Joint Declaration on Peace along the Cambodia-Thailand border, to which you had provided input. China has been helping in our own way to properly settle the border disputes between Cambodia and Thailand. We have also been promoting peace talks to resolve other hotspot issues. The world today is confronted with many tough problems..."

Calling for steady leadership, Xi said, "In the face of winds, waves, and challenges, you and I, at the helm of China-U.S. relations, should stay the right course and ensure the steady sailing forward of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations. I always believe that China's development goes hand in hand with your vision to Make America Great Again. Our two countries are fully able to help each other succeed and prosper together. Over the years, I have stated in public many times that China and the United States should be partners and friends. This is what history has taught us..."

He further added that the two countries have remained in touch since Trump returned to office this year. The Chinese Preside claimed that they had telephonic conversation three times and exchanged several letters while staying in close contact.

He explained, "Under our joint guidance, China-US relations have remained stable on the whole. Given our different national conditions, we do not always see eye to eye with each other, and it is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then..."

Responding warmly, Trump said, "It's a great honour to be with a friend of mine, really for a long time now. The very, very distinguished and respected President of China. We've already agreed to a lot of things, and we'll agree to some more right now, but President Xi is a great leader of a great country, and I think we're going to have a fantastic relationship for a long period of time, and it's an honour to have you with us."

Speaking to reporters during the meeting in Busan, South Korea, Trump added, "We are going to have a very successful meeting. He is a very tough negotiator, that is not good. We know each other well. We have always had a great relationship..."

Officials from both sides confirmed earlier this week that Washington and Beijing had reached a "consensus to address their respective concerns," adding that a "framework" agreement was already in place before the leaders met. Trump expressed optimism about the talks, saying he anticipated a "great outcome for the world."

The discussions are expected to touch upon a broad spectrum of issues - including trade imbalances, technological cooperation, and supply chains involving critical minerals. A major topic on the agenda is rare earth minerals, vital components for manufacturing smartphones, electric vehicles, and advanced defense equipment. China, which holds a near-monopoly on global supply, recently tightened export restrictions on these materials following Washington's decision to blacklist several Chinese firms.

The meeting marks the first direct interaction between the two leaders since their last encounter at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, in 2019. At that time, trade and economic disputes dominated the agenda. Xi had underscored that "mutual benefit and win-win cooperation" formed the cornerstone of China-U.S. trade relations, while Trump agreed that disputes should be managed through dialogue and pledged that the U.S. would not impose additional tariffs on Chinese exports.