Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and the United States should build their relationship as partners rather than rivals. He made the statement after arriving in the United States for a state visit on Wednesday, September 23.
In a written speech delivered after his arrival, Xi said China and the United States are both major countries with closely interconnected interests. He also highlighted the exchanges between the peoples of the two countries, which have continued for decades.
According to Xi, the increasingly interconnected interests of China and the United States provide room for the two countries to develop cooperation despite their remaining differences.
“China and the United States should be partners, not rivals,” Xi said in his written statement, as quoted by Xinhua.
Xi also linked the development of the two countries to their respective domestic agendas. He said China’s efforts to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the U.S. agenda of making America great again can move forward together, complement each other, and benefit the international community.
Xi’s visit is taking place from September 23 to 25, 2026, at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump. The visit is part of a series of meetings between the two leaders to discuss bilateral relations and a range of international issues.
Trump personally welcomed Xi at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday. The airport reception was part of Xi’s state visit and marked his first visit to Washington in more than a decade.
Washington and Beijing continue to face several unresolved issues. Trade, technology, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and geopolitical matters are among the topics receiving attention ahead of the leaders’ meeting.
In the trade sector, the United States and China also agreed to extend their existing trade truce, which had been scheduled to expire in November. The extension gives both sides additional time to continue discussions over their trade relationship.
Xi previously said China and the United States should promote a stable relationship in which cooperation remains central, competition is moderate, and differences are managed through dialogue. He also expressed confidence that the two countries can find the right way to coexist in the new era.
The remarks serve as Xi’s initial message ahead of his meeting with Trump in Washington, as the two countries continue to face strategic competition while maintaining extensive economic ties and broad bilateral interests.
Intan Permata is a lifestyle and culture writer at RakyatPost with a passion for wellness, fashion, modern living, and digital trends. She focuses on creating engaging and relatable content that connects with today’s readers through insightful storytelling and fresh perspectives. Intan regularly covers topics ranging from self-care and entertainment to social media culture and contemporary lifestyle movements across Southeast Asia.
