The summit talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump began on Thursday morning inside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, in a remarkable protocol scene that reflected the size of the event and its importance in the course of relations between the world's two largest powers.
Xi received his U.S. counterpart at the main entrance of the hall, the center of the Chinese government's legislative activity and one of the country's most prominent symbols, while Tiananmen Square was completely evacuated , with the exception of officials, media and military units participating in the official parade.
Inside the hall, which was decorated with red carpets and expansive marble spaces, huge flags of the United States and China hung up, while hundreds of students gave a colorful welcome display, during which children waved flowers and flags as the two leaders passed, in a festive scene that reflected Beijing's keenness to show the highest level of hospitality.
Closed meeting
Following the reception, the two presidents headed to a closed-door bilateral meeting, before Trump moved on to visit the Temple of Heaven, one of the most important religious and historical monuments in the Chinese capital, and later participate in an official dinner with the Chinese president.
During the opening session, Xi Jinping stressed that the relationship between China and the United States should be built on partnership and common interests, noting that the points of consensus between the two countries outweigh differences.
He stressed that the issue of Taiwan remains the "most important and sensitive" in bilateral relations, warning that mishandling it could lead to conflict that would reflect negatively on international stability.
He considered that the confrontation between the two countries will lead to mutual harm, and that maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait is a key element in the stability of relations.
Chinese President: Trade wars are no winner
On the economic front, Xi said that equal consultations are the only way to resolve trade differences, stressing that the core of economic relations between the two countries is based on mutual benefit, and that "trade wars are win-win."
For his part, Trump expressed his aspiration to strengthen trade relations with China, considering that the relationship between the two countries "will be better than ever," and stressing that Washington and Beijing have a "great future" ahead if the paths of cooperation continue.
Trump arrived in Beijing on May 13, where he was greeted with a welcome parade attended by 300 Chinese children dressed in blue and white uniforms and waving the flags of the two countries, in a scene that observers saw as Beijing 's desire to show warmer relations during the visit.