Xi Tells Trump China, US Reached New Trade Agreement, Presses US on Taiwan

The United States and China reached a new trade agreement during a summit between their leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping also called for broader economic cooperation and urged the US to maintain its opposition to Taiwan independence.

Xinhua News Agency reported on September 24 that Xi made the remarks during talks with US President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington. "The economic and trade teams of both sides have reached a new joint agreement," Xi said. He called it good news for businesses and people in both countries, as well as for the global economy.

Xi described US-China economic ties as a two-way street. He said the two sides should expand the list of cooperation areas and reduce the list of problems to stabilize trade and economic relations.

Xi struck a firmer tone on Taiwan. He said China remained unwavering in defending national reunification and territorial integrity, and voiced hope that the US would stick to its opposition to Taiwan independence and handle the Taiwan issue prudently. He added that this should serve as a foundation for US-China strategic cooperation and the development of bilateral ties.

The two leaders also exchanged views on major international issues, including artificial intelligence, the war in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula. Xi said the two leaders' reciprocal visits in less than half a year were unprecedented in the history of US-China relations.

The two sides also confirmed mutual support for this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and the Group of 20 leaders' summit. The specific contents and terms of the trade agreement were not disclosed.