Xi kicks off highly-anticipated US visit in grand welcome

PARTNERS, NOT RIVALS

In a written speech upon his arrival, Xi extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the US people on behalf of the Chinese people.

China and the United States are both great countries, and the two peoples are both great peoples, Xi said, adding that the two peoples have maintained friendly exchanges for a long time and their interests are deeply intertwined.

China and the United States should be partners, not rivals, he said, noting that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand, and that the two countries can help each other succeed and advance the well-being of the whole world.

Xi noted that he and Trump agreed to build a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability during Trump's visit to China in May, which has provided strategic guidance for the future development of bilateral ties.

China and the United States should work in the same direction and promote a stable relationship featuring cooperation as the mainstay, moderate competition, manageable differences and promises of peace, Xi said.

He said China and the United States, as two major countries, should find a right way to get along in the new era.

Xi emphasized that the world is developing and times are changing, but the historical logic of peaceful coexistence between China and the United States has not changed, the goodwill of friendly exchanges between the two peoples has not changed, and the general expectations of the international community for China and the United States have not changed.

Xi said he looks forward to having in-depth exchanges with Trump on major issues concerning bilateral relations and the world situation, constantly enriching the constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability, and expanding the space for exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

With joint efforts, Xi said he believes the visit is sure to be fruitful, and will enhance the well-being of the two peoples and add hope for world peace.