Xi Tells US CEOs Accompanying Trump That China Will Open Up More
(Bloomberg) — Xi Jinping signaled China is moving toward greater openness, striking an optimistic note in a meeting with U.S. business leaders who accompanied Donald Trump as the two presidents wrapped up morning talks that included more divisive issues like trade and Taiwan.
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“American companies are deeply interested in China’s reform and opening-up, and this is a process that benefits both sides,” Xi told more than 10 business representatives gathered at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China Central Television reported. “China’s door to the outside world will open even more.”
Footage published by the state broadcaster showed executives, including Tesla Inc.’s Elon Musk, Apple Inc.’s Tim Cook, Boeing Co.’s Kelly Ortberg and Nvidia Corp.’s Jensen Huang, who joined the trip at the last minute, being escorted to the meeting room by staff.
Xi’s message echoed a promise that senior Chinese officials have made frequently on the world stage over the years. This also appeared to be a response to Trump’s call for Xi to “‘open up’ China,” which Trump had promised to do as his first request on behalf of the business leaders accompanying him to Beijing.
In his speech on Thursday, Xi added that he believes US companies will have broader potential in China, CCTV reported.
According to CCTV, American executives told Xi they “highly value” the Chinese market and hope to further strengthen cooperation and develop their commercial presence.
Trade barriers and market access have been long-standing issues between the world’s two largest economies, especially after China joined the World Trade Organization with American support more than two decades ago.
Trump’s visit was the first official visit by a sitting US president to China in nine years.
In his opening remarks to Xi on Thursday morning, Trump brought up the business delegation, telling the Chinese president that executives would “pay tribute to you and China” and said they “look forward to trade and doing business.”
While the leaders’ talks continued, some US administrators made short statements to journalists.
Musk said he wanted to accomplish “a lot of good things” during his visit and that the meetings went “great.” Apple’s Cook gave a thumbs-up when asked how the talks were going, while Huang said, “Xi and President Trump have been incredible.”
