China News Service, Washington, September 24 (Reporters Guo Jinchao, Huang Yuqin, Guo Chaokai) On the evening of September 24, local time, US President Trump and his wife Melania hosted a welcoming state banquet for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at the White House.
When Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan arrived at the White House, Trump and Melania warmly welcomed them. The two heads of state and their wives took a group photo and met with guests attending the banquet.
After the banquet began, Xi Jinping and Trump delivered speeches respectively.
Xi Jinping extended his sincere greetings and best wishes for the Mid-Autumn Festival to all American people from all walks of life who care about and support the development of Sino-US relations.
Xi Jinping pointed out that in May this year, President Trump successfully visited China. In less than half a year, the heads of state of China and the United States have exchanged visits, creating a history of exchanges between the two countries. This visit reached many new consensuses, enriched the connotation of China-US constructive strategic and stable relations, and provided new strategic guidance for China-US relations.
Xi Jinping emphasized that more than 200 years ago, when the United States became independent, it set its sights on China. China and the United States exchange their needs and complement each other's advantages, opening up trade exchanges. More than 80 years ago, the people of China and the United States fought side by side against the Japanese militarist invaders. This friendship forged by blood and fire will be passed down from generation to generation. More than 50 years ago, Ping Pong diplomacy opened the door to long-standing exchanges. With the political wisdom of "the small ball turns the big ball", the older generation of Chinese and American politicians started the great process of normalizing Sino-US relations. More than 20 years ago, an American named Sycos helped Chinese sand controller Yin Yuzhen plant trees. Their story moved many Chinese people and is an example of friendly exchanges between the peoples of China and the United States. Sino-US cultural exchanges are conducive to promoting spiritual communication between the two peoples and laying a solid public opinion foundation for Sino-US friendly cooperation.
Xi Jinping pointed out that today, Sino-US relations stand at a new historical starting point. President Trump has proposed making America great again, and China is committed to realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Both goals are ambitious and can achieve each other. Both sides should demonstrate their responsibility as major countries, conform to the expectations of the people and the trend of the times, and explore a new way for major countries to get along correctly. The long river of history flows endlessly, and the friendship between the peoples of China and the United States has broad prospects. Both sides should work hand in hand to water the beautiful flowers of Sino-US friendship and jointly write a new chapter of Sino-US friendship.
Trump said that when I visited China in May this year, I was deeply impressed by the warmth and friendship of the Chinese people. Tonight, people from all walks of life in the two countries gathered together to celebrate the friendship between the United States and China that spans thousands of miles and lasts for hundreds of years. The United States and China both have a long history of culture, and the two peoples have long-standing friendly exchanges. Although the two countries have different systems, the friendship between the United States and China has become stronger over time. I am willing to work with President Xi Jinping to adhere to mutual respect, continue to cultivate friendship between the two countries, and bring lasting prosperity and security to future generations.
The atmosphere of the banquet was friendly and warm. During the dinner, American artists performed wonderful cultural programs.
Cai Qi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng and others attended the banquet. (over)
