Kamal Ghorui
US President Donald Trump wrapped up talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing by extending a formal invitation to Xi and China’s First Lady Peng Liyuan to visit the White House on September 24.The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, was described by Trump as the “biggest summit ever” and covered a broad range of geopolitical and economic issues, including the Iran conflict and trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.Speaking at a banquet following the talks, Trump said, “It is my honour to extend an invitation to you, Madam Peng, to visit us at the White House this September 24, and we look forward to it.”Strait of Hormuz emerges as key focusOne of the major takeaways from the summit was the shared position on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy corridor. Trump and Xi reportedly agreed that the strategic waterway must remain open to ensure uninterrupted global energy supplies.Xi also opposed proposals to impose tolls on ships passing through the strait, which has faced severe disruptions since the escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The issue has become increasingly significant amid concerns over global oil and gas supply chains.Trump calls talks ‘extremely positive’According to AFP, Trump described the discussions as “extremely positive” and called the evening “another cherished opportunity to discuss among friends.”However, Trump avoided answering questions on whether Taiwan was discussed during the bilateral meeting. When reporters asked how the talks with Xi had gone, the US president replied briefly, “Great.”
