Beijing — AP, May 14, 2026
At a state banquet in the Great Hall of the People, U.S. President Donald Trump raised a glass to Chinese leader Xi Jinping and pointed to shared historical ties between the United States and China as evidence of a long-standing mutual respect.
Trump recounted several historical examples to illustrate the connection. He said Benjamin Franklin once published the sayings of the Chinese philosopher Confucius, and he noted that Chinese admirers of George Washington donated a stone tablet to the Washington Monument bearing praise that called Washington a great general and statesman.
The president also pointed to the role of Chinese laborers in building the transcontinental railroad that linked the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and he said American travelers to China helped introduce literacy efforts and modern medical practices there.
Trump added that President Theodore Roosevelt, responding to a request from China’s ambassador, provided funds that helped establish Tsinghua University, the school attended by Xi.
The remarks came during a ceremonial dinner where both leaders attended formal events aimed at showcasing diplomacy and bilateral ties.
