Xi greets Trump on US independence anniversary

President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory message to United States President Donald Trump on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, marking the 250th anniversary of America's Declaration of Independence, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday.

The message was seen as the latest engagement between the two leaders after Trump's visit to Beijing in May, his second China visit since November 2017. At the time, the two leaders actively sought the right way for two major countries to get along with each other, reached a number of common understandings and agreed on a new vision of building a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability.

"I look forward to working together with you to set the course and steer the giant ship of China-US relations, so as to make 2026 a historic, landmark year that opens up a new chapter in China-US relations," Xi told Trump during the summit.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters after the meeting that the year 2026 holds special meaning for the two countries, as it marks both the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and the 250th anniversary of US independence.

The US held grand celebrations on Saturday to mark the 250th anniversary of its independence.

jihaisheng@chinadaily.com.cn