China and the US should be "partners, not rivals", Chinese President Xi Jinping said after arriving in Washington, expressing confidence that the two countries can find a way to coexist in the new era.
In a rare gesture, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, after they landed at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Wednesday.
Trump welcomed Xi on the tarmac as a US Air Force band performed, with the American and Chinese flags displayed during the ceremony.
In a written speech after his arrival, Xi extended sincere greetings and best wishes to the American people on behalf of the Chinese people, according to state-run Xinhua news agency.
Xi calls for partnership over rivalry
China and the US are "both great countries, and their peoples are great as well," Xi said, highlighting the longstanding exchanges between their people and the close links between their interests.
China and the US "should be partners, not rivals," he said, adding that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again can go hand in hand.
Xi said the two countries could help each other succeed while contributing to the well-being of people around the world.
Trade, AI and global conflicts on agenda
Xi's visit is his first trip to Washington since 2015. His talks with Trump are expected to cover several contentious issues, including trade tariffs, technology, artificial intelligence, military ties and US arms sales to Taiwan.
The discussions are also expected to touch on conflicts in West Asia, the Russia-Ukraine war and the arms race in space.
Xi said he and Trump had agreed during Trump's visit to China in May to build a constructive China-US relationship of strategic stability. He described that understanding as providing strategic guidance for the future of bilateral ties.
Xi seeks stable relationship
Xi called for both countries to work in the same direction and promote a stable relationship in which cooperation remains central, competition is moderate and differences remain manageable.
He said the two major powers need to find the right way to coexist in the new era.
Xi also said that although the world and the times are changing, the historical logic of peaceful coexistence between China and the US, goodwill between their peoples and international expectations for cooperation between the two countries have not changed.
Rare airport welcome
Trump's decision to personally receive Xi at Joint Base Andrews marked an unusual diplomatic gesture. It was reportedly the first time since 1962 that a US president personally welcomed a foreign leader at the military base. Then-President John F Kennedy had greeted British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan there.
Xi said he looked forward to detailed discussions with Trump on bilateral ties and global issues, as well as broader engagement with people across the US.
He expressed confidence that the visit would be fruitful and contribute to the well-being of both countries and hopes for world peace.
The Chinese delegation includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.