Beijing, 14 May (H.S.):
Chinese President Xi Jinping stated on Thursday that he expects 2026 to be a historic and milestone year. This year will open a new chapter in China-US relations. Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump delivered opening remarks before commencing their bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People. Xi remarked that the world has reached a new turning point.
According to reports from China's official news agency Xinhua and the American channel CNN, this moment at the Great Hall of the People witnessed the official meeting between Trump and Xi. Trump appeared extremely pleased with the welcome. After the reception, both leaders met with members of the US and Chinese delegations.
Subsequently, the two leaders walked the red carpet to a covered platform adorned in red and gold decorations.
Here, a military band played the national anthems of both countries, and the salute of cannons echoed from the nearby Tiananmen Square.
Trump and Xi inspected the troops and then passed through hundreds of bouncing and jumping children. Trump and Xi repeatedly placed hands on each other's shoulders to express warmth.
US President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have begun crucial talks. These meetings, spanning two days, are expected to cover complex issues such as technology, trade, and Taiwan. Whatever course these discussions take will shape the direction of relations between the world's two largest economies for many years to come.
The potential war between the US-Israel and Iran, along with the ensuing global energy crisis, looms large over this visit. Expectations are that Trump will urge Xi to pressure China's ally Iran to agree to a peace deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Hormuz Strait is a critically important maritime route for oil trade.
Accompanying the US President on this visit are several top officials and more than a dozen industrialists, including prominent figures like Tim Cook and Elon Musk.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
