Trump touts personal rapport with Xi Jinping: ‘Whenever we had a problem, we worked it out quickly’

BEIJING, CHINA: President Donald Trump offered a tribute to President Xi Jinping in Beijing, telling his counterpart, "It’s an honour to be your friend," as he predicted a new era of cooperation between the two nations. 

President Trump used the visit to emphasize their personal chemistry, claiming that their unique bond would ensure the "relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before."

Trump praises hospitality and children for a historic Beijing welcome

The visit began with a heavy focus on the personal hospitality shown by the Chinese government.

Trump was clearly moved by the elaborate welcome ceremony, specifically noting the presence of Chinese youth in his opening remarks.

"I want to thank you very much. First of all, that was an honour, like few have ever seen before. And I think I was particularly impressed by those children. They were happy. They were beautiful," Trump said. 

He went on to mention that while "the military is obvious" and "couldn't be better," it was the children who truly impressed him, stating, "they represent so much. And I know they represent so much to you."

Trump credits friendship with Xi for overcoming diplomatic difficulties

Trump spent a significant portion of his speech highlighting the direct and private nature of his friendship with Xi.

He described a relationship built on quick fixes and personal phone calls rather than slow diplomacy.

"We've had a fantastic relationship. We've gotten along when there were difficulties. We worked it out. I would call you, and you would call me, and whenever we had a problem, people don't know. Whenever we had a problem, we worked it out very quickly," Trump explained.

He characterized their bond as a historic achievement, telling Xi, "You and I have known each other now for a long time. In fact, the longest relationship of our two countries that any president and president has had, and that's to me an honour."

Addressing the summit, Trump did not shy away from praising Xi's style of leadership, even acknowledging that his comments might be controversial back home.

"Such respect for China, the job you've done. You're a great leader. I say it to everybody, you're a great leader. Sometimes people don't like me saying it, but I say it anyway, because it's true. I only say the truth," the President asserted.

To back up this respect, Trump pointed to the massive delegation of American CEOs he brought along, noting, "We asked the top 30 in the world, every single one of them, said, Yes... and they're here today to pay respects to you and to China."

Trump predicts 'fantastic future' and promises reciprocal business deals

As the two presidents moved into their meetings, Trump framed the event as a massive global milestone. 

He mentioned that "this is maybe the biggest summit ever" and that in America, "people aren't talking about anything else." 

"We're going to have a fantastic future together," he promised, adding that the upcoming business dealings would be "totally reciprocal on our behalf." 

He concluded his comments by reiterating his personal affection, stating again that it was a true "honour to be with you."