Trump congratulates China’s Xi on ‘extraordinary elevation’

October 26, 2017 - 8:33 AM
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China's new Politburo Standing Committee members (left to right) Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng arrive for a press briefing at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (photo by Jason Lee, Reuters)

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping to congratulate him on a new leadership line-up unveiled at the Communist Party Congress in Beijing.

The two also discussed North Korea and trade, Trump said in a Twitter post.

“Spoke to President Xi of China to congratulate him on his extraordinary elevation. Also discussed NoKo & trade, two very important subjects!” Trump wrote.

Xi told Trump China would “unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development” and promote “coordination and cooperation among world major powers,” the official Xinhua news agency reported late on Wednesday.

“China attaches great importance to the Sino-U.S. relations and is willing to promote the long-term, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefits,” Xinhua cited Xi as saying.

Trump is expected to meet Xi when he visits China next month, when the two are likely to discuss issues related to North Korea and U.S.-China trade.