Washington: US President Donald Trump returned Friday to the White House from a four-day trip to China, calling the visit a 'tremendous success.' 'A lot of things have happened that you'll be hearing about them, but that was a tremendous success. I think it really was an historic moment,' Trump told reporters before entering the White House after his more than 13-hour return trip from Beijing.
According to Anadolu Agency, Trump highlighted the 'great trade deals' reached during his visit and praised the development of 'great relationships' between the US and China. Trump, who arrived Wednesday in China, departed Friday after holding two days of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The meetings were significant as they involved the leaders of the world's two largest economies.
The trip marked the first visit to China by a sitting US president in nine years. Trump last traveled to Beijing in 2017 during his first term in office. During and after talks on Wednesday and Thursday, Trump stated that several agreements were reached, including those concerning energy and agricultural trade.
He also announced that China agreed to purchase more than 200 Boeing aircraft, with a pledge for 750 additional planes, along with orders for between 400 and 450 engines from General Electric. These deals are seen as substantial steps in strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
The visit occurred against the backdrop of a Middle East conflict, which began after US and Israeli forces launched strikes against Iran on February 28. This prompted Tehran's retaliation against Israel and US allies in the Gulf, leading to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. An indefinite ceasefire is currently in place.
Trump asserted that both he and Xi agree that Iran should not have nuclear weapons capabilities and that Tehran should reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. Meanwhile, China has emphasized its call for dialogue in the region, while the US, prior to Trump's visit, accused Beijing of supporting Iran's military and economic capabilities.