On the afternoon of the 15th, after concluding his state visit to China, U.S. President Trump left Beijing on a special plane. The highly anticipated summit between the Chinese and U.S. heads of state in Beijing officially came to a close.

From bilateral talks to a stroll at the Temple of Heaven, from a welcome banquet to a small-group meeting, President Xi Jinping and President Trump engaged in high-density, multi-layered interactions. This Beijing summit across the Pacific captured many unforgettable moments and yielded a series of landmark achievements. Here is the analysis.

01

Small-Group Meeting: “A Visit to Zhongnanhai”

On the morning of the 15th, before President Trump departed for home, President Xi Jinping held a small-group meeting with him, chosen at Zhongnanhai.

Arranging a small-group meeting outside the formal events of the state visit created more opportunities for the two heads of state to continue in-depth, candid exchanges and further share views.

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Ancient trees and roses at Zhongnanhai.

When President Trump arrived at Zhongnanhai, President Xi warmly welcomed him. The two heads of state walked and talked, occasionally stopping to admire the sturdy ancient trees and colorful roses in the garden, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. During the photo op, President Trump raised his right hand and gave a thumbs-up.

“President Trump’s visit is a historic and landmark one,” President Xi noted during the small-group meeting that day. “The visit helps promote mutual understanding, deepen mutual trust, and enhance the well-being of the people of both countries. It also shows once again that peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between China and the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect, finding a correct way to get along, is what the people of both countries and people around the world hope for.”

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Various roses in full bloom at Zhongnanhai.

President Trump said he was very grateful to President Xi for inviting him to visit Zhongnanhai. He described his trip to China as “very successful,” “world-renowned,” and “unforgettable.” Trump said the two sides formed a series of important consensuses, reached multiple agreements, and resolved many issues, which were highly beneficial to both countries and the world. “The U.S.-China relationship is very important and will definitely get better and better,” he said.

During the meeting, Trump also extended an invitation to President Xi: “I am willing to continue sincere and in-depth communication with President Xi Jinping and eagerly look forward to hosting President Xi in Washington.”

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On the afternoon of May 15, President Trump left Beijing on a special plane.

On the day President Trump concluded his visit to China, Foreign Minister Wang Yi briefed the media on the outcomes and consensus of the China-U.S. summit, stating that at President Trump’s invitation, President Xi Jinping will pay a state visit to the United States in the autumn of this year.

02

These Moments Are Unforgettable

After nine years, President Xi Jinping and President Trump met again in Beijing. During this visit, many unforgettable moments were left behind: handshakes, in-depth talks, gazing, and shared appreciation… Each detail conveyed sincerity and warmth, carrying the historical responsibility and commitment of major-country interactions.

Moment One: Looking Back After the Welcoming Ceremony

On the morning of the 14th, President Xi held a welcoming ceremony for President Trump. After the ceremony, the two heads of

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a complex of religious buildings where Ming and Qing emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the Ming dynasty, it is renowned for its symbolic architecture, such as the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular public park where locals practice tai chi and other traditional activities.

Zhongnanhai

Zhongnanhai is a former imperial garden in Beijing that now serves as the headquarters for the Communist Party of China and the State Council. Built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was historically a royal retreat before becoming the political center of modern China. Due to its role as a highly secured government complex, public access is restricted, and it is most famously known as the residence and workplace of China’s top leaders.

Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a historic and cultural site with over 3,000 years of history. It served as the imperial capital during the Ming and Qing dynasties, home to iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Today, it blends ancient traditions with modern development as a global political and cultural hub.