China-United States (US) relations are the most important bilateral relations in the world, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday (May 14).

“We agree that relations between China and the US are by far the most important bilateral relations in the world,” Xi Jinping said at a reception banquet on the occasion of US President Donald Trump’s state visit to China.

China’s rebirth and desire to “make America great again” can go hand in hand, Xi said.

Xi Jinping called Trump’s current visit to China a historic one.

Trump, meanwhile, said the meetings with Chinese representatives were extremely positive and productive.

“It really was a magnificent welcome like none other. And for so graciously hosting us on this very historic state visit, we had an extremely positive and productive conversation and meetings today with the Chinese delegation earlier, and this evening is another cherished opportunity to discuss among friends some of the things that we discussed today,” Trump said during the reception banquet in Beijing.

US-China relations are one of the most significant in world history, Trump said, adding that his visit to China is historic.

Trump is on a state visit to China from May 13-15.

Separately, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US and China plan to establish a trade council to discuss trade in areas that are not “critical” to Washington.

“We are going to form a board of trade. The idea will be for the non-critical, non-strategic areas, things that the US does not want to make ... So something like fireworks or very low-end consumer goods that are going to keep coming from China no matter what,” Bessent told CNBC. 

- Agencies