The White House said the greeting was a reciprocal gesture for the reception accorded to President Trump when he visited China in May.
This is President Xi’s first state visit to the US in more than a decade, but the third meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House.
In a written speech delivered upon his arrival, President Xi said China and the US are both great nations and should act as “partners rather than rivals” to ensure stable bilateral cooperation. He said the world is evolving and times are changing, but the historical logic of peaceful coexistence between China and the US remains unchanged.
Xi said he “looks forward to in-depth exchanges with President Trump on major issues concerning our bilateral relations and the global situation”, with the aim of enriching a constructive and stable relationship and expanding cooperation and exchanges in multiple fields. He said he is confident that, through joint efforts, his three-day visit will produce fruitful results, benefit the two peoples, and bring new hope for world peace.
