The White House on Thursday released details of a high-level bilateral meeting between US President Donald Trump andChinese President Xi Jinpingin Beijing, describing the talks as “good” and focused on expanding economic cooperation between the world’s two largest economies. According to the statement, both leaders discussed increasing market access for American businesses in China while also boosting Chinese investments in US industries. Executives from several major American companies participated in parts of the meeting, signalling strong business interest in improving US-China economic ties.
The talks also touched upon the ongoing fentanyl crisis, with both sides agreeing on the need to further curb the flow of fentanyl precursors into the United States. Washington has repeatedly pressed Beijing to take stricter measures against illegal chemical exports linked to the opioid epidemic.
One of the biggest takeaways from the meeting was the discussion around global energy security and the Strait of Hormuz. The White House said both leaders agreed that the strategic waterway “must remain open” to ensure uninterrupted global energy flows.
In a notable development, President Xi reportedly expressed opposition to the militarisation of the Strait and to any proposal involving toll charges for its use. The statement further claimed that China showed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce its dependence on the Strait in the future.
The meeting also saw rare convergence on Iran, with both sides agreeing that Tehran “can never have a nuclear weapon,” according to the White House statement.
Meanwhile, China’s official Xinhua News Agency cited Trump as being impressed to see the Temple of Heaven still standing tall and magnificent after over 600 years, showcasing exquisite Chinese classical architectural art.
Xi said ancient Chinese rulers held sacrificial ceremonies at the temple to pray for national peace and prosperity.
Xi said it showed the traditional Chinese thought that “the people are the foundation of the state, and when the foundation is solid, the state is stable,” according to Xinhua.
Trump said he vividly remembers his 2017 visit to the Forbidden City, Xinhua reported.
The discussions come at a time of evolving geopolitical equations, rising concerns over energy security in West Asia and renewed efforts by Washington and Beijing to stabilise strained bilateral ties after years of trade disputes and strategic rivalry.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
