Xi stresses coexistence of China revival and MAGA

May 15, 2026, 08:35 am

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A scene from the state banquet held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing following the U.S.-China summit on May 14. At the event, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that America’s MAGA agenda and China’s national rejuvenation could coexist. /Xinhua News Agency

Chinese President Xi Jinping said China’s national rejuvenation and the United States’ “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda can coexist, emphasizing the possibility of maintaining friendly ties between the world’s two largest economies during a state banquet following a U.S.-China summit on Wednesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump also gave a positive assessment of the summit and reportedly invited Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to the White House on Sept. 24.

According to Chinese state media led by Xinhua News Agency on Thursday, Xi hosted a state banquet for Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing after the leaders’ summit earlier in the day. The cordial atmosphere from the talks reportedly carried over naturally into the dinner.

“At a time when China is entering the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) and the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its independence, both peoples are great peoples,” Xi said during the banquet.

“The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can proceed in parallel. By achieving success together, we can benefit the world,” he added.

Xi also referred to his multiple meetings and phone calls with Trump, saying the two leaders agreed that U.S.-China relations are not only the world’s most important bilateral relationship, but also one that “must succeed and cannot fail.”

“If the two countries cooperate, both benefit. If they fight, both suffer,” Xi said. “Rather than rivals, we should become partners.”

He added that both sides had agreed to build “a constructive and strategically stable relationship” and promote the “stable, healthy and sustainable development” of bilateral ties in order to bring more peace, prosperity and progress to the world.

Xi further stressed that “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation” have been the foundation of stable ties between the two countries, urging both sides to ensure that the “huge ship” of U.S.-China relations stays on the correct course.

Trump, for his part, said he had held “very positive and productive talks and meetings” with the Chinese delegation and thanked Xi for his hospitality.

“Tonight is another valuable opportunity to continue discussing some of the matters we addressed earlier among friends,” Trump said, adding that the discussions were “good for both the United States and China.”

He also said it was “an honor” to invite Xi and Peng to the White House on Sept. 24, though it was not immediately confirmed whether Xi accepted the invitation.

Observers also noted that Trump, who is not known to drink alcohol, took a rare sip of wine during the toast at the banquet, a gesture some interpreted as reflecting satisfaction with the outcome of the summit.

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U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping enter the venue for a welcoming state banquet held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14. Senior Chinese Communist Party and government officials are also seen on the right. /Xinhua News Agency

The banquet was attended by senior Chinese officials including Premier Li Qiang, Politburo member Wang Yi and Vice Premier He Lifeng. The U.S. delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

Business leaders from both countries were also present, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun, underscoring expectations for smoother bilateral relations.

The banquet featured a blend of Chinese and Western cuisine, including lobster with tomato soup, beef ribs, Peking duck, braised seasonal vegetables, salmon with mustard sauce, fried pork buns and tiramisu, according to social media posts shared by some attendees.

#Xi Jinping #Donald Trump #MAGA #China rejuvenation #US-China summit