New Delhi: The White House on Wednesday said US President Donald Trump held a “good meeting” with Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which the two leaders discussed expanding economic cooperation, trade access and energy security amid ongoing global tensions.
Trade, fentanyl discussed
In a statement, the White House said both sides explored ways to strengthen economic ties between the United States and China, including expanding market access for American businesses in China and increasing Chinese investment in US industries.
According to the statement, leaders from several major American companies also attended a part of the meeting. The two leaders also discussed steps to curb the flow of fentanyl precursors into the United States and increase Chinese purchases of American agricultural products.
Strait of Hormuz, oil discussed
On energy security, the White House said both countries agreed that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to ensure the free flow of energy supplies. The statement added that Xi expressed opposition to the militarisation of the strategic waterway and any effort to impose tolls on its use.
The White House further said Xi showed interest in purchasing more American oil to reduce China’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz in the future.
The statement also said that both countries agreed that Iran “can never have a nuclear weapon.” The meeting comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia and continued economic competition between Washington and Beijing.