Weekly
=== NEWSLETTER Nº 36===
28 September 2026
This edition highlights President Xi Jinping's state visit to the United States. It also brings you the latest China-Europe high-level exchanges. Meanwhile, this edition presents China’s firm position on the Taiwan question and other issues concerning its core interests. Enjoy reading!
Top News
Xi lands in U.S. for state visit, greeted by Trump at airport
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan step out of the airplane cabin upon their arrival at Joint Base Andrews in the United States on Sept. 23, 2026. Xi arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday afternoon for a state visit to the United States at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump. Xi and Peng were warmly greeted by Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, at the airport in a rare planeside welcome. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)
Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were warmly greeted by Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, at the airport in a rare planeside welcome. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)
U.S. children present flowers to Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)
President Xi Jinping Attends the Arrival Ceremony at the White House Hosted by U.S. President Donald J. Trump
On the morning of September 24, local time, U.S. President Donald J. Trump hosted a grand ceremony at the White House to warmly welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping on his state visit to the United States.
President Xi and President Trump each delivered remarks.
President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with U.S. President Donald J. Trump
President Xi pointed out that the Chinese and U.S. presidents exchanging visits in less than half a year is unprecedented in the history of China-U.S. relations. He and President Trump had maintained communication through different means, and worked together to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations. President Xi said that this May, he and President Trump agreed to build a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. This new vision reflects the realities of China-U.S. ties, embodies the expectations for the future, and is an important step toward a right approach for the two countries to get along with each other.
President Xi stressed that the economic and trade teams of the two sides had a new round of consultations, and reached a new joint arrangement, which is good news for both the industries and people of our two countries and even the world economy.
President Xi pointed out that both China and the United States have strong AI capabilities. They may have competition, but they may cooperate even more. The right thing to do is to draw on each other’s strengths, not guard against each other.
President Xi stressed that the Chinese side’s position on safeguarding national reunification and territorial integrity is clear-cut. It is hoped that the U.S. side will adhere to the correct position of opposing “Taiwan independence,” and handle the Taiwan question with caution, so as to lay a solid foundation for China-U.S. strategic cooperation and the development of bilateral relations.
President Trump stated that President Xi’s state visit to the United States is a great visit. Both the United States and China are great nations. President Xi and he are good friends, and they maintain deep and close communication. Under their leadership, the U.S.-China relationship will undoubtedly be a success. A new round of consultations between the economic and trade teams of the two countries has produced new outcomes. The two sides should continue the dialogue and reach an even better deal. AI concerns the future of humanity. The United States and China should maintain dialogue and strengthen cooperation on AI.
The two presidents also exchanged views on major international and regional issues including the situation in the Middle East, the Ukraine crisis and the Korean Peninsula.
Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People’s Republic of China at Arrival Ceremony at the White House
Washington, D.C., September 24, 2026
Honorable President Donald J. Trump and Mrs. Melania Trump,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
I’m very glad to pay a state visit to your beautiful country, the United States of America. Thank you, President Trump and Mrs. Trump, for the warm hospitality you have extended to me and my wife. On behalf of the 1.4 billion and more Chinese people, I wish to begin by extending sincere greetings to the American people and warm congratulations on the 250th anniversary of the American independence.
Mr. President, during your visit to China this year, we agreed to build a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability, and this is widely welcomed by the people of our two countries and the international community. I am ready to work with you to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relationship on a steady course toward the future.
—We should strengthen communication. China and the United States are different in national conditions, but through candid, in-depth and continued dialogue, our two countries can understand each other better, seek common ground while shelving differences, and build up mutual trust.
—We should cooperate with sincerity. The interests of China and the United States are deeply intertwined, and there is plenty of room for us to work together. China-U.S. cooperation may not solve every problem in the world. But, without our cooperation, it would be hard to solve many of the world’s problems.
—We should coexist in peace. As I have said many times, China and the United States, as two major countries, stand to gain from cooperation and will both lose in confrontation. We do not need to avoid mentioning competition, but our competition should be a healthy one and should be kept within bounds.
President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan Attend the State Dinner Hosted by President Donald J. Trump and Mrs. Melania Trump
On the evening of September 24 local time, U.S. President Donald J. Trump and his wife Mrs. Melania Trump hosted a state dinner at the White House for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Madame Peng Liyuan.
Toast Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People’s Republic of China At the State Dinner Hosted by T.H. Donald J. Trump President of the United States of America
Honorable President Donald J. Trump and Mrs. Melania Trump,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends,
Thank you, Mr. President and Mrs. Trump, for extending to my wife and me your gracious hospitality and thoughtful arrangements. You and Mrs. Trump have made many special arrangements for our visit, all prepared with meticulous care and consideration in every detail. You make us feel truly at home. I would also like to extend my sincere greetings to Americans from all sectors of society who care about China-U.S. relations and support the further growth of our bilateral ties. As I speak, my compatriots in China are celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival—a cherished occasion for family reunion in Chinese tradition. I wish you all a very happy Mid-Autumn Festival, and my best wishes to you and your families.
Not long ago, the United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence. On that occasion, I sent my congratulations on behalf of the Chinese government and people. The past 200-plus years have also witnessed friendly exchanges between China and the United States.
Over 200 years ago, soon after its independence, the United States turned its eyes to China. Our two countries started trading with each other, exchanging goods to meet each other’s needs and draw on our complementary strengths.
Over 80 years ago, the Chinese and American people stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against Japanese militarist aggressors. Together we opened the famous Hump air route over the Himalayas. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Chinese soldiers and civilians rescued hundreds of American pilots at the cost of hundreds of thousands of Chinese lives. Such a friendship, forged in blood and fire, will surely live on through the generations.
Over 50 years ago, Ping-Pong diplomacy between China and the United States reopened the door to bilateral exchanges that had been closed for years. With the political wisdom embodied in “a small ball moving the globe,” the older generation of Chinese and American statesmen, led by Chairman Mao Zedong and President Richard Nixon, set in motion the historic process of normalizing relations between our two countries.
Over 20 years ago, an American named Ronald Sakolsky gave financial support to Yin Yuzhen, a Chinese desert control worker, for her tree-planting effort. Just recently, Ronald, now an elderly man, returned to China. He saw with his own eyes that the desert back then had turned into a lush forest. This story touches the hearts of many Chinese people and stands as a shining example of the friendly exchanges between our two peoples.
Exchanges have helped promote heart-to-heart communication between our people and cemented public support for Sino-U.S. friendship and cooperation.
Reviewing the past gives us new perspectives. Today, we have come to another historic juncture for China-U.S. relations. President Trump has pledged to make America great again and led the American people in making significant strides. China is committed to achieving great national rejuvenation, and Chinese modernization has kept breaking new ground. These two goals are both ambitious and can surely be mutually reinforcing.
President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan Attend Tea Hosted by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Mrs. Trump
On the morning of September 25, 2026 local time, President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan met with U.S. President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the White House for tea. The two heads of state agreed to add more substance to the characterization of China-U.S. relations and work together to build "a constructive relationship of strategic stability on the basis of respect, fairness and reciprocity."
President Xi noted that this is his first visit to Washington, D.C. on a state visit in 11 years. During this visit, the two sides have added new substance to the characterization of China-U.S. Relations, agreed to build "a constructive relationship of strategic stability on the basis of respect, fairness and reciprocity," and secured economic and trade deliverables that are mutually beneficial. These outcomes will be welcomed by the people of the two countries and the international community.
President Trump said that President Xi's state visit to the United States has been very constructive and very successful. The two sides had in-depth discussions on U.S.-China relations and major international and regional issues, and reached many positive outcomes that are good for both sides. He looks forward to staying in touch with President Xi and jointly steering the development of this relationship.
China and the United States Reach Eight Deliverables and Understandings
From September 23 to 25 local time, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to the United States. During the visit, the two heads of state had in-depth discussions on the constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability and major international and regional issues, and reached eight deliverables and understandings:
1. The two sides agree to build “a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability on the basis of respect, fairness, and reciprocity.”
2. China and the United States support each other in successfully hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Summit. The two heads of state intend to attend each other’s meetings.
3. The two heads of state agree that Iran should honor its commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, and no country or institution can be allowed to impose tolls on international waterways.
4. The two heads of state recall that China and the U.S. were allies in World War II and fought side by side to win the war.
5. The two heads of state recognize the positive role of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, endorse the outcomes of the consultations between the two economic and trade teams, including establishing and taking forward the Board of Trade and other mechanisms, reaching an arrangement for a US$30 billion reciprocal tariff reduction, and the extension of the outcomes of economic and trade consultations in Kuala Lumpur, and give instructions that they be implemented.
6. The two sides note that cooperation between the counter-narcotics and law enforcement agencies of China and the U.S. has produced visible outcomes. Recently, the two sides working closely together have jointly cracked multiple cases involving New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and precursor chemicals, and apprehended dozens of relevant criminal suspects in the two countries.
7. The two sides agree on the establishment of the China-U.S. AI Dialogue to exchange views on risks and benefits related to AI. The next exchange will occur in November 2026. China and the U.S. also agree to establish a bilateral communication channel for AI incidents.
8. The United States welcomes the arrival of two giant pandas, leased by China to Zoo Atlanta.
In addition, the Chinese and U.S. militaries agree to conclude a memorandum of understanding on crisis communication and prevention as soon as possible, and continue their cooperation to search for the remains of missing U.S. servicemembers in China.
China-Europe High-Level Exchanges
Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul
On September 21, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul upon request.
Wang Yi pointed out that China and the EU are comprehensive strategic partners, and a trade war should not be waged between them. China always believes that both sides should work in the same direction to find solutions to each other’s concerns through dialogue and consultation. It is hoped that Germany will maintain a rational and pragmatic attitude, play a positive role within the EU, encourage the EU to uphold free trade, reject protectionism, and stay on the right path of openness, cooperation, dialogue and consultation.
Johann Wadephul said that the current international situation is confronted with a series of new threats and challenges. Germany expects China to leverage its influence in international and regional affairs and explore solutions together with Germany. Germany supports the EU and China in properly resolving differences through dialogue and is ready to play an active role to that end.
Wang Yi said that the important consensus reached by China and Germany today is that China‑EU economic and trade issues should be resolved through dialogue and consultation.
China in Brief
The Chinese Mission to the EU and the Chinese Embassy in Belgium Co-Host a Reception in Celebration of the 77th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China
On September 23, 2026, the Chinese Mission to the EU and the Chinese Embassy in Belgium co-hosted a reception in Brussels to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, Ambassador Fei Shengchao, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, Mr. David Cvach, Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service, and Mr. David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture of Belgium, attended and addressed the event.
In his speech, Ambassador Cai Run noted that over the past 77 years since the founding of the PRC, the Communist Party of China has united and led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in tireless efforts, opening up the right path toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Noting that this year marks the beginning of the second 50 years of China-EU relations, Ambassador Cai stressed that China and the EU now have a relationship with greater strategic significance and global influence. He expressed the hope that the EU will work with China in the same direction, stay committed to partnership, keep cooperation as the defining feature of the relationship, and address economic and trade differences and frictions through dialogue and consultation, so as to promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.
Ambassador Fei Shengchao noted that over the past 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Belgium, all-round partnership of friendship and cooperation have remained the defining feature of China-Belgium relations. He emphasized that China stands ready to take the 55th anniversary of China-Belgium diplomatic relations as an opportunity to work with Belgium to build more bridges, expand open cooperation, and deliver greater mutual benefit for both countries.
Deputy Secretary General David Cvach extended warm congratulations on the 77th anniversary of the founding of the PRC on behalf of the EU. He noted that EU-China relations have become one of the most influential bilateral relations in the world, and called on both sides to focus on common interests and responsibilities, strengthen constructive communication, and advance the relationship.
Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval, speaking on behalf of Belgium, expressed the hope that Belgium and China to strengthen dialogue and cooperation and build a more solid and mutually beneficial partnership.
China maps out new cultural and tourism growth under 15th Five-Year Plan
China will deepen the integration of culture and tourism, expand smart and green tourism and, for the first time, include expanded marine tourism space in its tourism development planning for the 15th Five-Year Plan period, officials said on Thursday.
The moves are aimed at providing richer cultural and tourism experiences while using the sectors to support consumption, economic development and cultural exchanges, according to a news conference held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing.
Wang Jianhua, vice-minister of culture and tourism, said deeper integration of culture and tourism will be the main line of development from 2026 to 2030.
Tourism will be used to communicate Chinese culture, including fine traditional culture and revolutionary culture, while cultural content will be incorporated more deeply into tourism products and services, from scenic areas and resorts to dining, accommodation and entertainment.
The emphasis comes as China's cultural and tourism sectors continue to expand. In 2025, the country's cultural industry generated 20.8 trillion yuan ($2.9 trillion) in operating revenue, with average annual growth of 8.4 percent during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Domestic tourists made 6.52 billion trips and spent 6.3 trillion yuan, both record highs, Wang said.
Digital and intelligent technologies are also expected to reshape the sectors.
Spokesperson of the Chinese Mission to the EU Speaks on a Question Concerning the EU side’s Annual Reports on Hong Kong and Macao
Q: On September 22, the EU side released its annual reports on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region. What is China’s comment?
A: We have noticed the relevant reports. The reports published by the EU side year after year disregard facts, wantonly point fingers at the affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region and grossly interfere in China’s internal affairs. The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, and has lodged solemn representations with the EU side.
Hong Kong and Macao affairs are purely China’s internal affairs and brook no interference from any external forces. We urge the EU side to respect facts and adopt a right perspective, view objectively and impartially the economic and social development of Hong Kong and Macao and the remarkable achievements made under “One Country, Two Systems,” uphold international law and basic norms governing international relations, earnestly respect China’s sovereignty, immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong and Macao affairs in any form, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs under the guise of so-called “democracy” and “freedom”, and take practical actions to uphold the big picture of China-EU relations.
Weekly Quote
The Global Governance Initiative is anchored in multilateralism and underscores the importance of safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.
—— Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Through the Lens
Various activities held to welcome Mid-Autumn Festival in China
Children participate in a game in celebrations for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival at a kindergarten in Jiyuan, central China's Henan Province, Sept. 23, 2026. (Photo by Duan Erping/Xinhua)
International students make mooncakes at Fengsheng ancient town in Chongqing, southwest China, Sept. 23, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)
Foreign visitors try to make fish lanterns during an event in celebrations for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, Sept. 22, 2026. (Photo by Wang Jianmin/Xinhua)
Perhaps the closest Mid-Autumn greetings to the moon
Where is the best spot for Mid-Autumn moon-gazing? How about China’s space station? Free of atmospheric haze and cloud cover, the moon as seen from orbit shines much brighter and crisper. Shenzhou-23 crew members Zhu Yangzhu, Zhang Zhiyuan, and Li Jiaying have been in orbit for four months. This marks the fifth Mid-Autumn Festival celebrated aboard China’s space station.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of China, except those from the official website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Chinese Mission to the EU and other Chinese governmental websites.
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Editor: ZHANG Lin
