Xi and Trump toast to 'constructive strategic stability' at Beijing state banquet

The chandeliers glittered at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday night as Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump raised a toast to a 'fantastic' summit. 'It was a fantastic day, and in particular, I want to thank President Xi, my friend, for this magnificent welcome,' Trump said, nearly nine years after his first presidential trip to Beijing. The banquet capped a day that produced a pledge from both sides to work towards 'constructive strategic stability' and included a visit to the Temple of Heaven UNESCO World Heritage site. Xi called the visit 'historic' and said the two countries 'should be partners rather than rivals.' He emphasized that the China-US relationship 'is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. We must make it work and never mess it up.' Trump highlighted the countries' shared history and described his talks with Xi as 'extremely positive and productive.' He then invited the Chinese leader to visit the White House at the end of September. The leaders will meet again on Friday for a tea and working lunch, continuing efforts to stabilize the world's most critical bilateral relationship.