US President Donald Trump held a joint press conference at the White House with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a 3-day visit to the US as part of the 81st United Nations (UN) General Assembly. Taking the floor first, Trump addressed the delegations of both countries, saying, "I am very pleased to host you at the beautiful White House. This is a great honor for us. We had the great privilege of visiting Beijing in May and being hosted with such magnificent and beautiful hospitality."
Trump stated, "Since my first election in 2016, President Xi and I have developed a truly great friendship based on mutual respect and the vital interests of our peoples."
Touching upon trade issues between the parties, Trump said, "President Xi and I have made significant progress on the issues our two countries face. Our teams are continuing their work to promote a more balanced trade relationship, including new market access for American farmers and livestock producers."
Trump noted that the two leaders would also discuss topics such as security, technology, and artificial intelligence, adding, "The decisions we make in these areas today can contribute to supporting peace and prosperity for decades to come. President Xi and I will continue to work together to build a better future for both our countries."
"Our competition must be healthy and kept within bounds"
Xi also expressed his pleasure at visiting the US, saying, "On behalf of the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, I convey my sincerest greetings to the American people and sincerely congratulate the US on the 250th anniversary of its independence. I am visiting the US at the invitation of President Trump. Our goal is to maintain our friendship, expand our cooperation, and increase the prosperity of both our peoples."
Arguing that China and the US "bear a historical responsibility to ensure the development and progress of humanity," Xi said, "I am ready to work with you to steer the giant ship of China-US relations toward the future on a steady course. We must strengthen our communication. China and the US differ in terms of national conditions. However, through sincere, in-depth, and continuous dialogue, we can better understand each other, set aside our differences, develop our common ground, and build mutual trust."
Xi also mentioned that a personal rapport had developed between him and Trump. The Chinese President stated, "China keeps its doors wide open and welcomes American companies that want to invest and do business here. We hope that Chinese companies will also be treated fairly in the US."
"We must ensure that the development of artificial intelligence is always under human control"
Addressing the topic of artificial intelligence, Xi said, "China and the US are among the world's leading countries in the field of artificial intelligence. We have both the capacity and the responsibility to develop and manage artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity. We must ensure that the development of artificial intelligence is always under human control and serves the well-being of people."
Xi said, "We must live together in peace. As I have said many times before, as two great countries, China and the US can benefit from cooperation, while both sides suffer from conflict."
The Chinese leader added, "Our competition must be healthy and kept within bounds. This should not be a struggle where one side wins and the other loses, but a race where we try to catch up with each other."
Xi also emphasized that the militaries of the two countries should maintain regular dialogue and improve crisis communication and crisis prevention mechanisms.
The Chinese President announced that they have invited 100,000 young US citizens to China over the next 5 years to participate in education and student exchange programs. Touching upon the friendship between Beijing and Washington, Xi said that two pandas would meet Americans in their new home at the Atlanta Zoo.
At the end of his speech, Xi said, "Realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can move forward hand in hand. Let us respond to the expectations of our peoples, demonstrate our historical initiative, continue to advance the cause of friendship between our two peoples, and work together to build a better world."
This visit by Xi marks his first visit to the capital, Washington, in 11 years. It was also reported that Xi is the first Chinese President to make a second official visit to the US.
News Source: İHA
