Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) October 30, Busan, South Korea. Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump met for the first time in six years, marking the first meeting between the two leaders during Trump's new term. The photo of the two leaders shaking hands attracted global attention.
The profound significance of major-country diplomacy is often reflected in the details. Three special aspects can help the outside world better understand this meeting between the two leaders.
Special Arrangements: The First and Last Sessions
Xi Jinping's first activity after arriving in Busan was attending the meeting between the two leaders, held in the Blue House VIP lounge at Busan Gimhae International Airport.
On the same day, Trump traveled from Gyeongju, South Korea, to the airport to meet with Xi Jinping. The meeting was scheduled for 11:00 AM, and Trump arrived at the meeting venue ahead of time.
Upon their reunion, Xi Jinping greeted Trump with, "It's a pleasure to meet you again."
Trump immediately responded, "It's a pleasure to see you again. I'm sure we'll have a very successful meeting today." He then smiled at Xi, adding, "But he's a very tough negotiator, which isn't good. We know each other very well."
This was the first event of Xi Jinping's trip to South Korea and the last of Trump's nearly week-long trip to Asia. After the meeting, Xi Jinping will travel to Gyeongju, while Trump will return to the United States.
Such an arrangement is rare in diplomatic schedules. One side begins its journey, the other concludes, yet they "converge" in Busan, demonstrating the importance both sides attach to the meeting. The trajectory of Sino-US relations not only concerns the more than 1.7 billion people of both countries but also profoundly impacts the world.
Special Commentary: China's Development and Revitalization and "Make America Great Again"
This was a deep conversation across the Pacific Ocean. The meeting venue was not large, but the in-depth discussions within this "small meeting room" influenced the "big picture" of world politics and economics.
The world's two largest economies, with vastly different social systems and stages of development, need wisdom, a broad perspective, foresight, and a sense of responsibility to find the right way to coexist.
The recent twists and turns in China-US economic and trade relations have also provided some insights for both sides. How to answer the fundamental and overarching question of whether to be adversaries or partners?
Xi Jinping, focusing on the overall picture of China-US relations, clarified China's position: "China's development and revitalization are not contradictory to President Trump's goal of 'making America great again.' China and the US can absolutely achieve mutual success and common prosperity. Being partners and friends is a lesson from history and a necessity of reality."
This emphasis on "not contradictory" transcends differences and frictions, considers the overall situation and direction, and places the respective national strategic goals of China and the US within a framework of win-win cooperation. It points the way to achieving healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-US relations and further demonstrates China's broad vision for developing itself within a global context.
Special Moment: Delivered to the Hongqi Car
This meeting lasted approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The two heads of state agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, and economy, and to promote cultural exchanges; they also agreed to maintain regular exchanges. Trump looks forward to visiting China early next year and invites Xi Jinping to visit the United States.
The meeting ended close to 1 p.m. local time. The two heads of state emerged from the Blue Room VIP lounge looking relaxed. Amidst the clicking of camera shutters, Trump said happily, "We had a very good talk, a very successful one." He then whispered a few words to Xi Jinping.
The Hongqi limousine stopped at the foot of the steps. The next scene was widely captured by international media: Trump escorted Xi Jinping to the Hongqi limousine, bidding him farewell once more.
This in-depth meeting, lasting over 100 minutes, concluded with such a meaningful scene.
Busan witnessed the strategic guidance of the Chinese and US heads of state for bilateral relations. This was not only another interaction in which the two countries calibrated their course, but also sent a clear signal to the world. (End)
