On the evening of September 24 local time, U.S. President Donald J. Trump and his wife Mrs. Melania Trump hosted a state dinner at the White House for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Madame Peng Liyuan. 

President Xi and Madame Peng were warmly received by President Trump and Mrs. Trump when they arrived at the White House. The two presidents and their wives took a photo together and met with the guests attending the dinner.

After the dinner began, President Xi and President Trump each delivered toast remarks.

President Xi extended sincere greetings and best wishes for the Mid-Autumn Festival to Americans from all sectors of society who care about China-U.S. relations and support the further growth of the bilateral ties.

President Xi recalled President Trump’s successful visit to China in May this year. He noted that in less than half a year, the Chinese and American presidents have exchanged state visits, making history in their bilateral engagement. His visit this time has produced common understanding on many issues, which has added new substance to the constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability, and provided new strategic guidance for China-U.S. relations.

President Xi emphasized that over 200 years ago, soon after its independence, the United States turned its eyes to China. The two countries started trading with each other, exchanging goods to meet each other’ needs and draw on the complementary strengths of each other. Over 80 years ago, the Chinese and American people stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against Japanese militarist aggressors. Such a friendship, forged in blood and fire, will surely live on through the generations. Over 50 years ago, Ping-Pong diplomacy between China and the United States reopened the door to bilateral exchanges that had been closed for years. With the political wisdom embodied in “a small ball moving the globe,” the older generation of Chinese and American statesmen set in motion the historic process of normalizing relations between the two countries. Over 20 years ago, an American named Ronald Sakolsky gave financial support to Yin Yuzhen, a Chinese desert control worker, for her tree-planting effort. Their story touches the hearts of many Chinese people and stands as a shining example of the friendly exchanges between the two peoples. Exchanges have helped promote heart-to-heart communication between the two peoples and cemented public support for Sino-U.S. friendship and cooperation.

President Xi pointed out that China-U.S. relations have now come to another historic juncture. President Trump has pledged to make America great again, and China is committed to achieving great national rejuvenation. These two goals are both ambitious and can surely be mutually reinforcing. China and the United States should take on the responsibility of a major country, meet the expectations of their peoples, keep pace with the trend of the times, and explore a new approach for major countries to get along with each other. Like a river that never stops flowing, history never stands still. The friendship between the two peoples is a worthy cause that holds great promise. The two sides should join hands and move forward side by side, jointly nurture the beautiful flowers of Sino-U.S. friendship, and write a new chapter in their friendly relations.

President Trump recalled, with a deep and wonderful impression, the warm hospitality of the Chinese people during his visit to China in May this year. He noted that tonight, people representing different sectors of both countries gathered together to toast the long relationship between the United States and China that reaches thousands of miles and spans hundreds of years. Both the United States and China boast time-honored cultures, and the Americans and the Chinese have always maintained friendly exchanges. Although the two countries represent different systems, the friendship between the United States and China has grown ever stronger over time. President Trump expressed his readiness to work with President Xi to uphold mutual respect, continue to cultivate the friendship between the two countries, and build a relationship that promotes prosperity and security for future generations.

The state dinner proceeded in a warm and friendly atmosphere. During the event, American artists gave splendid cultural performances.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and He Lifeng, among others, attended the state dinner.