BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on the phone on Friday evening.
The two presidents had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on the current state of China-U.S. relations and other issues of mutual interest and provided strategic guidance for the steady development of bilateral relations going forward. The conversations were pragmatic, positive, and constructive.
Xi highlighted that China and the United States fought side by side as allies during World War II. Recently, China solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War and invited the families of American Flying Tigers to watch the parade on the Tiananmen Rostrum. The Chinese people will not forget the valuable support from the U.S. and other anti-fascist Allied nations for China’s War of Resistance, Xi said, adding that honoring fallen heroes and remembering history is essential for cherishing peace and creating a better future.
Xi stressed the vital importance of China-U.S. relations. China and the United States are fully capable of helping each other succeed and prospering together for the good of the two countries and the whole world, he said. For that vision to materialize, both sides need to work hard and in the same direction so as to realize mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, Xi said. The recent consultation between Chinese and U.S. officials reflected the spirit of equality, respect, and mutual benefit, he added. They can continue to handle the outstanding issues properly in bilateral relations and strive for win-win outcomes, said the Chinese president.
The U.S. side should refrain from imposing unilateral trade restrictions so as not to disrupt the outcomes of multiple rounds of consultation between the two sides, Xi further said. He added that China’s position on the TikTok issue is clear: the Chinese government respects the wishes of the company in question and would be pleased to see productive commercial negotiations in keeping with market rules lead to a solution that complies with China’s laws and regulations and takes into account the interests of both sides. The U.S. side needs to provide an open, fair and nondiscriminatory environment for Chinese investors, Xi said.
Trump said that China’s recent parade was phenomenal and beautiful. The U.S.-China relationship is the most important bilateral relationship, he said, adding that the two countries working together can get many great things done that are good for the peace and stability of the world. The U.S. would like to have a long-term, big, and great relationship with China, Trump said. The U.S. will work with China on the economy and trade and support their teams in reaching a proper deal on TikTok through consultation, the American president said, adding that the U.S. will also work with China for world peace.
