Trump: We want 'balanced' trade with China based on mutual respect and shared interests

- Summit with Xi to discuss security, technology, artificial intelligence, and expanding trade opportunities between the two countries

U.S. President Donald Trump affirmed on Thursday his country’s commitment to establishing “balanced” trade relations with China, based on mutual respect and shared interests between the two nations.

Speaking during a reception for Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House, Trump said that since his first presidential term, the two leaders have built a “very great friendship” founded on mutual respect and the interests of their respective peoples.

He added that the two-day visit would address a number of “very important” issues related to security, technology, and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the significance of the decisions emerging from the U.S.-China summit and their role in promoting peace and prosperity for decades to come.

Trump stated, “We will focus on shared interests, and we are confident that we can achieve many accomplishments and shared interests together,” underscoring the importance of the timing of the visit, which coincides with the United States’ celebration of its 250th anniversary of independence.

He called for encouraging “balanced” trade between the two countries that allows American farmers to access the Chinese market without obstacles.

Trump had held a rare formal reception ceremony for his Chinese counterpart upon his arrival at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, marking the beginning of a state visit to the U.S. capital, Washington.

The last official visit by the Chinese president to the United States was in September 2015, when he visited Seattle, Washington, and New York, and met then-President Barack Obama.

In recent media statements, Trump had affirmed the “good relationship” he shares with his Chinese counterpart, expressing his belief that the meeting “will be very good” and will involve “concluding many different deals.”