On the evening of 14 May, Chinese President Xi Jinping held a banquet at the People's Palace in Beijing in honour of US President Donald Trump, who is visiting China.

Xi Jinping pointed out that this year is the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan in China. Leaning on the deep roots of Chinese civilization with more than 5,000 years of history, more than 1.4 billion Chinese people are now comprehensively pushing forward China-type modernization through quality development. This year also marks the 250th anniversary of the United States' Declaration of Independence, and more than 300 million Americans are reviving patriotism, innovative spirit and pioneering spirit to push the development of the United States to a new level. The people of China and the United States are both great, achieving the great revival of the Chinese nation and making America great again can very well be realized simultaneously without contradicting each other, and can complement each other and benefit the whole world.

Xi Jinping pointed out that 55 years ago, China and the US launched „ping-pong diplomacy“, which broke barriers lasting more than 20 years and became a significant event in the history of contemporary international relations. Since then, there have been many stories of openness and cooperation between China and the US, which have continuously contributed to building friendly relations. In the new situation, I have met with President Trump several times and talked to him on the phone to contribute to maintaining the overall stability of Sino-US relations. We agreed that Sino-US relations are the most important bilateral relations in today's world and that they should be developed, not undermined. Cooperation between the two countries brings benefits to both sides, while mutual competition leads to mutual losses; they should be partners, not rivals. We agree to build a constructive and stable strategic relationship between China and the US, to promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of Sino-US relations, and to bring greater peace, prosperity and progress to the whole world.

Xi Jinping pointed out that in looking at the development of Sino-US relations, the key to the stable development of these relations is the ability to mutually respect, peaceful coexistence and cooperation leading to mutual benefit. Sino-US relations affect the well-being of more than 1.7 billion people in both countries and touch the interests of more than 8 billion people worldwide. We should jointly assume this historic responsibility and strive to keep the colossus of Sino-US relations on the right track.

Trump said he was very grateful to President Xi Jinping for the warm welcome he received during his visit to China. Today is a beautiful day, this is a significant visit and both sides had a positive and constructive dialogue. The American and Chinese people respect and value each other, and their friendship has a long tradition. The relationship between the United States and China is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, and the two countries should strengthen their cooperation to create a better future for the whole world.

Li Qiang, Cai Qi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng and others were present at the banquet.

CMG