Xi Jinping gifts Trump imperial rose seeds from sacred Zhongnanhai: ‘President was interested’

WASHINGTON, DC: During a final high-stakes meeting at the highly secure Zhongnanhai leadership compound, President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping stepped away from policy to tour the historic gardens, where an impressed Trump received a rare gift of sacred imperial rose seeds.

The stroll through the sprawling complex, China’s equivalent to the White House, served as a backdrop for the two leaders to project a strong personal bond as they wrapped up their two-day summit on Friday, May 15.

Imperial garden tour signals closer ties

During their intimate stroll through the archways and green columns of the Zhongnanhai gardens, Trump stepped away from discussions on trade and regional security to admire the local flora.

Captivated by the blooms, Trump said, “Nice place! I like this place! I could get used to this!”

The genuine admiration prompted an unprecedented response from the Chinese leader, who viewed the interest as a bridge between their cultures and a sign of personal respect.

Xi Jinping noted through a translator that the president was interested to learn all about the history of the Chinese roses he was viewing, and said, "The president was interested to learn all about that, including the Chinese roses, which he looked at. And I agreed to send the seeds for these roses to the president as a gift."

Following this exchange, Xi agreed to send the seeds for these specific roses to the White House as a personal gift.

Trump accepted the gesture with high enthusiasm, thanking the Chinese leader and noting that he loved the idea.

Trump secures major trade breakthroughs

While the symbolic gift of rose seeds captured the headlines, the summit also yielded significant economic agreements. Trump announced that he had secured trade deals, including the purchase of 200 Boeing jets and commitments for double-digit billions in American agricultural sales annually.

Trump said ⁠in an interview aired on Thursday evening on Fox News that "China will buy a lot ​of our farm products."

These agreements are seen as a move to stabilize the economic relationship and provide a boost to key US sectors ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. To further solidify the bond, Trump announced that President Xi has accepted an invitation for a reciprocal state visit to the White House in September.

Despite criticism, Trump remained steadfast, praising his bond with Xi as a vital component of his strategy to ensure a “fantastic relationship” between the two world powers.