Chinese President Xi Jinping signaled that China is moving toward greater openness, striking an upbeat note during his meeting with U.S. business leaders accompanying Donald Trump. The two presidents wrapped up morning talks that featured more divisive issues like trade and Taiwan.
Xi's Message to American Enterprises
"American enterprises are deeply involved in China's reform and opening up, a process from which both sides have benefited," Xi told more than 10 business representatives gathered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV). "China's door to the outside world will only open wider."
The message reiterated a pledge frequently delivered by senior Chinese officials on the world stage. It also appeared to be a response to Trump's appeal to Xi "to 'open up' China," which he had promised to make as his first request on behalf of the business leaders accompanying him to Beijing.
Key Executives Attend Meeting
Footage released by state broadcaster CCTV showed executives including Tesla Inc.'s Elon Musk, Apple Inc.'s Tim Cook, Boeing Co.'s Kelly Ortberg, and Nvidia Corp.'s Jensen Huang being escorted into the meeting room. Huang joined the trip as a last-minute addition.
In his remarks, Xi added that he believes U.S. firms will have even broader prospects in China. The American executives told Xi that they "highly value" the Chinese market and hope to further strengthen cooperation and cultivate their business presence there, according to CCTV.
Premier Li Qiang Echoes Positive Tone
In the afternoon, the CEOs met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who also struck a positive tone. "Friendly cooperation remains the mainstay of China-U.S. relations," Li said. "China and the United States are fully capable of and should continue to be friends and partners, helping each other succeed and achieving shared prosperity."
Trade barriers and market access have been longstanding issues between the world's two biggest economies, especially after China joined the World Trade Organization with America's backing more than two decades ago.
Trump's State Visit and Business Delegation
Trump's trip was the first state visit by a sitting U.S. president to China in nine years. In his opening remarks to Xi during their meeting, Trump brought up the business delegation, telling the Chinese president the executives will "pay respects to you and to China" and said "they look forward to trade and doing business."
As the leaders' talks got underway, some of the U.S. executives gave brief remarks to reporters. Musk said he wants to accomplish "many good things" during his visit and that the meetings were "wonderful." Apple's Cook gave a thumbs-up when asked how the talks went, while Huang said "Xi and President Trump were incredible."
Potential Business Deals
Trump is eager to secure business deals from China in sectors ranging from agriculture and energy to aerospace, including a potential historic order of Boeing jets. The U.S. business delegation not only includes companies with significant investments and market share in China, but also firms like Micron Technology Inc., which saw some of its products banned from critical infrastructure by Beijing after failing a cybersecurity review.
