‘Friendship forged in blood and fire’: Xi invokes Washington, WWII and Nixon for US-China ties

WASHINGTON, DC: Chinese President Xi Jinping drew on major moments in US-China history during a state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, September 24, citing figures and events ranging from Founding Father George Washington to former President Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to China.

Xi used the historical references to call for continued engagement between the two countries.

He also said that the two leaders had held “sincere and in-depth exchanges” and had “reached common understanding on many issues.”

Xi recalls US-China history, calls for closer ties

Xi began his remarks by pointing to early commercial and cultural exchanges between the United States and China, including George Washington’s interest in Chinese porcelain.

The Chinese leader then discussed the two countries’ cooperation during World War II, when American and Chinese forces fought against Japan.

Xi described that period as a “friendship forged in blood and fire,” presenting the wartime cooperation as an example of the two countries working together despite their differences.

He also recalled former President Richard Nixon’s historic 1972 visit to China and his meeting with Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Nixon’s visit marked a major shift in relations between Washington and Beijing after years of hostility and preceded the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Xi framed those episodes as part of a longer history of interactions between American and Chinese officials.

He said, “Like a river that never stops flowing, history never stands still," before turning to the future of bilateral relations.

The White House state dinner was part of Xi’s first visit to Washington in more than a decade. Trump and Xi held talks earlier in the day, following a formal arrival ceremony that included military bands and a flyover.

The leaders discussed a range of issues involving trade, artificial intelligence, and broader bilateral relations.

Xi Jinping and Trump call for stronger US-China ties

After recounting the history of US-China relations, Xi called for the two countries to build on previous periods of cooperation.

He said Washington and Beijing had reached another “historic juncture” and argued that their respective national ambitions could work alongside one another.

Xi also compared Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda with China’s goal of national rejuvenation, saying "President Trump has pledged to make America great again and China is committed to achieving great national rejuvenation, these two goals are both ambitious and can surely be mutually reinforcing."

Xi concluded his appeal for closer relations by calling on the two countries to move forward together, saying that “together let us nurture the beautiful flowers of Sino-US friendship. Together let us write a new chapter in our friendly relations."

Trump also used his dinner remarks to emphasize the importance of continued US-China engagement. "We've never gotten along better...Together, we can continue to build a relationship that promotes prosperity and security for future generations,” Trump said.

“May all of our people know a future of harmony, peace and success.”