San Francisco, CA – Chinese President Xi Jinping, in a landmark address at a welcome dinner, emphasized the enduring friendship between China and the United States, highlighting the crucial role of people-to-people interactions in shaping the future of bilateral relations.
Recalling the legacy of the Flying Tigers, a group of American pilots who fought alongside Chinese forces during World War II, Xi underscored the deep-rooted bond between the two nations, forged through shared sacrifices and mutual respect. The recent visit of a delegation of Flying Tigers veterans, including 103-year-old Harry Moyer, who ascended the Great Wall of China, exemplified the enduring spirit of this friendship.
Xi stressed that the future of China-U.S. relations lies in the hands of the people, calling for increased engagement and exchanges to foster understanding and cooperation. He announced a series of initiatives to facilitate travel and promote people-to-people ties, including expanding direct passenger flights, establishing a high-level dialogue on tourism, and streamlining visa application procedures.
Echoing Xi’s sentiments, Apple CEO Tim Cook and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, both present at the dinner, reaffirmed their commitment to deepening U.S.-China partnerships. Musk, who visited China earlier this year, expressed his belief in the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship and his willingness to expand cooperation.
In a further gesture of goodwill, Xi announced China’s intention to invite 50,000 young Americans to China for exchange and study programs over the next five years, emphasizing the importance of nurturing future generations to carry forward the torch of friendship.
Mr. President, we have known each other for a long time.
We have not always agreed. But our meetings are always candid, straightforward, and useful.
Yesterday was no different.
Our nations may be in competition, but that doesn't mean we can't compete responsibly. pic.twitter.com/550epPY91b
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 16, 2023Xi also underscored the inherent potential for win-win cooperation between China and the United States, highlighting the vast opportunities for collaboration in various sectors. He reiterated China’s openness to initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, welcoming participation from all countries, including the United States.
On the issue of narcotics, Xi expressed China’s deep sympathy for the suffering caused by Fentanyl in the United States, particularly among the youth. During a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden earlier in the day, the two leaders agreed to establish a working group on counternarcotics to enhance cooperation and support the U.S.’s efforts to combat drug abuse.
The dinner concluded with Xi’s reaffirmation of China’s readiness to be a partner and friend of the United States, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation as guiding principles for bilateral relations. He expressed hope that the two peoples will continue to engage in more visits, contacts, and exchanges, writing new chapters in the enduring saga of China-U.S. friendship.