Trump China Visit Updates: Trump calls Xi Jinping ‘friend’, says ‘fantastic relationship’ with Chinese Prez

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that China had agreed to purchase 200 Boeing jets, describing an order for "200 big ones" in a broadcast interview.

"It was sort of like a statement but I think it was a commitment," Trump said, describing his conversation with President Xi Jinping in a Fox News interview. Boeing shares fell about four percent, suggesting investors had expected a bigger order.

The summit is driven by efforts to stabilise trade relations, address tariffs, manage rising geopolitical risks around Taiwan, and coordinate responses to disruptions linked to the Iran conflict and global energy supply pressures.

After their meeting, Xi took Trump on a tour of the Temple of Heaven, then hosted a state banquet for him. The Chinese leader used his evening toast to note that he and Trump had kept U.S.-China relations “generally stable” in a turbulent world.

“Achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand,” Xi said, referring to Trump’s political movement. “We can help each other succeed and advance the well-being of the whole world.”

At the state banquet in Beijing, the Chinese military band broke into a tune the president has made his signature walk-off song, the disco hit, “Y.M.C.A.”

The song was played during a private portion of the dinner, a White House official confirmed. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the details of the private portion of the dinner. (AP)

Brent crude futures were up 98 cents, or 0.9%, to $106.61 a barrel at 0916 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures added 81 cents, or 0.8%, to $101.83.

According to a report by Reuters, automakers and power battery manufacturers were told to prioritise product safety through research and development, manufacturing, supply chains and after-sales service, China's industry ministry said on Thursday.

Before the leaders entered the room, a steady stream of guests approached Elon Musk at his table, snapping selfies with the tech CEO.

Lei Jun, CEO of Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, was seen shaking hands with Musk and taking a selfie with him.

“We’re not asking for China’s help. We don’t need their help,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with NBC News.

He said China agreed with the U.S. that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon and brought that up in their meetings. (AP)

The menu, according to the White House, included some Chinese elements.

Lobster in Tomato Soup, Crispy Beef Ribs, Beijing Roast Duck, Stewed Seasonal Vegetables and Slow-Cooked Salmon in Mustard Sauce.

Guests also dined on Pan-Fried Pork Bun, Trumpet Shell-Shaped Pastry and Tiramisu, as well as fruits and ice cream.

According to a report by Reuters, automakers and power battery manufacturers were told to prioritise product safety through research and development, manufacturing, supply chains and after-sales service, China's industry ministry said on Thursday.

Iranian media reported Thursday that naval forces had allowed a group of Chinese ships to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz since the night before.

Iran has largely blocked shipping through the strait since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel on February 28.

During Donald Trump’s toast at the state banquet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, the U.S. president said citizens of the United States and China have long shared a “deep sense of mutual respect” and used history to illustrate the point.

Trump heaped praise on Xi as talks began at the cavernous Great Hall of the People, saying: "It's an honour to be your friend".

"You and I have known each other for a long time... We've had a fantastic relationship, we've gotten along when there were difficulties, we worked it out," Trump told Xi.

Donald Trump China Visit LIVE: In a meeting with Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump said, “The relationship between China and the USA is going to be better than ever before... We're going to have a fantastic future together. I have such respect for China, the job you've done. You're a great leader. I say it to everybody.”

“Sometimes people don't like me saying it, but I say it anyway. On behalf of all of the great delegations that we have, we have the greatest businessmen, the biggest and, I guess, the best in the world... I didn't want the second or the third in the company. I wanted only the top. They're here today to pay respects to you and to China. They look forward to trade and doing business, and it's going to be totally reciprocal on our behalf. I really look very much forward to our discussion. It's a big discussion. Those who say this is maybe the biggest summit ever. They can never remember anything like it,” he said.

Brent crude, the international standard, was up 0.2 per cent at USD 105.87 per barrel. It was around USD 70 a barrel before the war in Iran started late February. That also came after the International Energy Agency said Wednesday that supply losses from the strait were "depleting global oil inventories at a record pace".

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that President Donald Trump would say more on Taiwan "in the coming days".

The self-ruled island, which China views as part of its territory, is set to be a key issue for talks in Beijing between Trump and his counterpart Xi Jinping.

Trump extended a Sept. 24 invitation to Xi and his wife, Madame Peng, during his reciprocal toast.

“And we look forward to it,” Trump said.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping discussed increasing agricultural trade, and improving oil flows at their summit on Thursday, according to a White House official.

China has ramped up its language around Taiwan by noting repeatedly in recent weeks that Taiwan is the “core” of its interests and a key to ensuring a stable relationship with the U.S.

The summit is driven by efforts to stabilise trade relations, address tariffs, manage rising geopolitical risks around Taiwan, and coordinate responses to disruptions linked to the Iran conflict and global energy supply pressures.