President Trump Hopes for Stronger and Better US-China Relations than Before

JAKARTA - President Donald Trump said on Friday he hoped relations between the United States and China would emerge stronger than ever after talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Trump pushed back slightly on Xi's comments that appeared to portray the US as a "declining country," arguing the criticism applied to the previous administration of former President Joe Biden and not his own presidency.

"When President Xi very elegantly referred to the United States as perhaps a declining country, he was referring to the tremendous damage we suffered during the four years of Joe Biden's administration and the Biden administration, and in that regard, he is 100% right," he wrote on his Truth Social platform, quoted from Anadolu (15/5).

President Trump blamed the Biden administration for what he described as economic weakness, immigration problems, crime, and social policies he opposed, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

At the same time, he described his administration as having restored American economic and military strength during what he called "a spectacular 16 months" in office.

The president cited record stock market performance, strong employment numbers, increased foreign investment, and military successes abroad as evidence of renewed U.S. strength.

"The fact is, President Xi congratulated me on so many tremendous successes in a short period of time," Trump wrote.

"Two years ago, we were a country that was experiencing setbacks. Regarding this, I fully agree with President Xi! But now, the United States is the strongest country in the world," he said.

Trump also highlighted improved relations with Beijing after his meeting with President Xi.

"Hopefully our relationship with China will be stronger and better than before," he said.