By Horizon Vision in Asia — 22 Sep 2026

Xi says China and US should be ‘partners rather than rivals’, kicking off three-day state visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping began a three-day US state visit, urging cooperation with President Donald Trump on trade, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical tensions.

BEIJING/WASHINGTON – Chinese President Xi Jinping urged cooperation with the United States, Beijing’s state media reported, hours after being greeted in Washington on the evening of US time by President Donald Trump.

“Our two countries should be partners rather than rivals,” Xi said in written remarks published by state news agency Xinhua, adding that “the Chinese and US peoples have enjoyed longstanding friendly exchanges, and our interests are deeply intertwined”.

The comments came ahead of closely watched talks between Trump and Xi, who shook hands on a red carpet after the Chinese leader’s arrival in the US capital.

Thorny discussion topics are expected to include trade, technological competition – particularly in artificial intelligence – and Beijing’s diplomatic and economic support for Tehran.

Xi said that he was looking “forward to in-depth exchanges with President Trump on major issues concerning our bilateral relations and the global situation”, Xinhua reported.

The countries should “work towards each other to foster a stable relationship characterised by cooperation as the mainstay, competition within bounds, manageable differences and peaceful prospects”, Xi said.

And in a nod to Trump’s signature political slogan, he said that “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the goal of making America great again can fully go hand in hand”.

He added that the two sides should “chart a correct path for two major powers” to get along, Xinhua reported.

“I am confident we can achieve this,” said Xi. “I believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, this visit will yield fruitful results, enhance the well-being of our two peoples and bring new hope for world peace.”

He was treated to a rare personal airport welcome by Trump on , kicking off .

“I thought it was a great little meeting, a great greeting, and I think they appreciate it,” Trump told reporters at the White House after welcoming Xi.

The personal airport greeting – a courtesy Trump was notably denied when he visited Beijing in May – begins three days of pageantry that will include another flyover and between the world’s biggest economies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was personally greeted by US President Donald Trump as he landed in the US for his first state visit in 11 years – an unprecedented welcome to America for a Chinese leader.PHOTO: REUTERSXi was accompanied by his right-hand man Cai Qi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, among others, according to Chinese state media.