HAMBURG (Reuters) — U.S. President
Trump campaigned in last year’s presidential election on cracking down on China for its trade practices, but he softened his rhetoric after taking office, saying he wanted to work with China on the nuclear issue.
“It’s an honor to have you as a friend,” Trump told Xi, telling him he appreciated actions he had already taken on North Korea.
“As far as North Korea is concerned, we will have, eventually, success. It may take longer than I’d like. It may take longer than you’d like. But there will be success in the end one way or the other,” Trump said.
For his part, Xi told Trump that stronger China-U.S. ties were conducive to stability and prosperity amid global conflicts, and had made “new progress” in some areas “despite some sensitive issues,” Xi said, according to state news agency Xinhua.
Xi stressed the importance of talks with North Korea, and said China’s Navy will join next year’s U.S.-led Pacific Rim military exercises.
Trump mentioned trade imbalances in his meeting with Xi, calling it a “very, very big issue” that he would address.
“I know that China in particular, which is a great trading partner, we will be able to do something that will be equitable and reciprocal,” Trump said.
Senior officials from both countries will meet in Washington on July 19 to discuss economic and trade issues. Speech
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