Trump, Xi present united front despite lingering differences
Both leaders agree to uphold peace and stability in South Asia, also discuss North Korea
BEIJING: US President Donald Trump sought to present a united front with Chinese President Xi Jinping following two days of meetings despite lingering differences over trade and North Korea.
China and the US signed business deals worth more than $250 billion, including the purchase of Boeing aircraft and a project to jointly develop liquefied natural gas in Alaska. Xi revealed the figure while addressing a gathering of business leaders and officials at the Great Hall of the People after the signing ceremony.
Being the world’s biggest developing economy and developed economy, China and the US are highly complementary rather than competitive, Xi said.
However, Trump criticised the “very one-sided and unfair” trade relationship between the two nations, stopping short of castigating Xi by saying he doesn’t blame China for having taken advantage of the US.
North Korea also remained a focus of talks between the two leader. Before arriving in China, Trump had delivered a stern message to Beijing, calling on China to do more to confront and isolate the nation.
On Thursday, he appeared far more conciliatory, thanking China for its efforts and saying he’d been encouraged by his conversations with Xi.
The US and China also reached a consensus on fighting terrorism and upholding peace and stability in South Asia.
Xi said China was committed to working with the US on North Korea, Afghanistan and other issues of international concern, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said. On his part, Trump said radical Islamic terrorism had to be stopped.
“China and the US share common interests in fighting terrorism and the two parties stand for stronger anti-terrorism cooperation,” Hua said.
Separately, officials from China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held talks on counter-terrorism in Beijing on November 7. Hua said the officials exchanged views on counter-terrorism situation and strengthening security cooperation. Both countries appreciated China’s efforts in improving their bilateral ties, he said.
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