BUSAN, Thursday, October 30, 2025 (WNP): Chinese President Xi Jinping and former U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday met in Busan in a high-profile meeting underscoring renewed efforts to stabilize relations between the world’s two largest economies and enhance cooperation on global challenges.
The two leaders shook hands in a moment described by Chinese diplomats at the United States as “a long-expected handshake,” symbolizing a thaw in tensions and a new phase of pragmatic engagement between Beijing and Washington.
Both presidents agreed to strengthen cooperation in economic, trade, energy, and other key sectors, while encouraging greater people-to-people exchanges. They also committed to maintaining regular interactions. President Trump expressed eagerness to visit China early next year and extended an invitation to President Xi to visit the United States.
According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy on its social media account ‘X’, the China–U.S. economic and trade talks held in Kuala Lumpur produced “positive results,” demonstrating that equality, mutual respect, and dialogue can resolve even complex issues. Beijing emphasized that the achievements were “hard-won” and that both sides must ensure the faithful implementation of the outcomes to strengthen global economic stability.
Xi: China, the U.S. should be partners, not rivals
In his remarks, President Xi stressed that despite occasional differences, China and the United States must act as partners and friends. “Given our different national conditions, it is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then,” Xi said. “In the face of winds, waves, and challenges, we should stay the right course and ensure the steady sailing of the giant ship of China–U.S. relations.”
Highlighting China’s economic resilience, Xi noted that the country’s GDP grew by 5.2 percent in the first three quarters of the year, while global trade expanded by 4 percent. “The Chinese economy is like a vast ocean—big, resilient, and full of promise,” he said, pledging continued reforms and openness to international cooperation.
Xi added that China seeks no confrontation or dominance, emphasizing that the country’s focus remains on self-improvement, sustainable development, and shared prosperity. “We have no intention to challenge or supplant anyone,” he said, calling for constructive cooperation in technology, trade, and sustainable growth.
President Xi reiterated that dialogue is better than confrontation, calling for enhanced collaboration in tackling shared global challenges, including illegal immigration, telecom fraud, anti-money laundering, artificial intelligence, and infectious diseases.
He also urged both sides to engage positively on regional and international platforms, particularly in light of upcoming major summits — with China hosting APEC 2026 and the U.S. set to host the G20 Summit next year.
Trump: A great relationship, a great future
President Trump hailed the meeting as “a great honor,” describing President Xi as “a great leader and my good friend for many years.” He noted that China remains America’s largest trading partner and said both nations “can achieve great things for the world” through partnership rather than competition.
“The United States and China have always had a fantastic relationship — and it will be even better,” Trump said. “Together, our two countries can accomplish great things for the benefit of both nations and the entire world.”
Both leaders agreed that China’s development and America’s prosperity can complement each other, with Xi stating that Beijing’s modernization aligns with Trump’s vision to “Make America Great Again.”
Senior officials including Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and He Lifeng attended the meeting, which concluded with both sides expressing optimism that China–U.S. relations are entering a more stable and cooperative phase, bringing renewed momentum to global economic recovery and multilateral engagement.
