Donald Trump hails ‘friend’ Xi Jinping as he celebrates ‘extremely positive’ China talks at Beijing banquet

Donald Trump has hailed Chinese President Xi Jinping as his “friend” as he celebrated “extremely positive” talks with China.

The US President addressed a banquet in Beijing following the major accords, describing the relationship between the two superpowers as “the most consequential in world history”.

“This is a great honour. It was a fantastic day,” President Trump began, speaking after his opposite number had raised a glass to the room.

“In particular, I want to thank President XI, friend, for this magnificent welcome. And it really was a magnificent welcome like none other.

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“(Thank you) for so graciously hosting us on this very historic state visit.

“We had extremely positive and productive conversations and meetings today with the Chinese delegation earlier.

“This evening is another cherished opportunity to discuss among friends some of the things that we discussed today. All good for the United States and for China.

“It was a great honour to be with you,” Mr Trump added, raising his arm in salutation to President Xi.

“Tonight, it is my honour to extend an invitation to you and Madame Peng to visit us at the white House this September 24. We look forward to it.

“I'd now like to raise a glass and propose a toast to the rich and enduring ties between the American and Chinese people.

“It's a very special relationship. I want to thank you again. This has been an amazing period of time. Thank you, President XI,” he said.

In his speech, President Trump also drew on history to celebrate the connections between Washington and Beijing.

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He began: “The relationship between the American and Chinese people goes all the way back to America's founding.

“The first American Council to China, Samuel Shaw, arrived on the first American trading ship to reach these shores in 1784.

“Chinese merchants had a name for the Americans: they called them the new people.

“Two and a half centuries later, that first connection has grown into one of the most consequential relationships in world history,” he declared.

“As allies in World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt mentioned the brave people of China. That's what they were.

“He drew loud cheers, and everybody loved what he had to say.

“Just as many Chinese now love basketball and blue jeans, Chinese restaurants in America today outnumber the five largest fast food chains in the United States all combined.

“That's a pretty big statement,” President Trump added with a grin.

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