China Views Xi-Trump Summit as Projection of National Rise
Chinese state media and the public perceived President Xi Jinping's reception in Washington as a sign of China's elevated status on the global stage.
The elaborate reception afforded to Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, by U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington was closely covered and lauded by Chinese state media, with many observing it as a projection of China’s growing global standing. The leaders' airport welcome, bilateral meetings, and cultural events were highlighted, creating an impression of China’s elevated status for the domestic audience.
Several individuals interviewed by The Associated Press and commenters on Chinese social media shared the view that the high reception standards demonstrated China’s power. The official People’s Daily newspaper dedicated its entire front page to the trip, featuring six photographs of the Xi-Trump engagements. On the Chinese search engine Baidu, popular search topics included the leaders' talks, the state dinner, and Xi's greetings to Chinese citizens for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Residents expressed reassurance from the coverage, noting what they perceived as agreeable discussions on trade, artificial intelligence, and security. According to one Beijing resident, the outcome suggested a move away from trade wars and military confrontations, with a more agreeable approach to handling bilateral issues. China's Foreign Ministry reported that Xi urged Trump to oppose Taiwan's independence and handle the issue cautiously. While Trump did not immediately comment on Taiwan, he had previously indicated that U.S. arms sales to the island were open to negotiation with China.
Overall, the summit was seen as sending a positive signal that would improve the Chinese public’s perception of U.S.-China relations, with the sentiment that communication is preferable to a lack thereof.