US President Donald Trump has praised relations between the United States and China, describing ties between the two countries as “very special” during a state banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping following high-level talks earlier in the day.

Speaking at the banquet in Beijing, President Trump thanked President Xi for what he called a “magnificent welcome” and described their discussions as “extremely positive and productive.”

“Well, thank you very much. This is a great honour. It was a fantastic day,” Mr Trump said. “In particular, I want to thank President Xi, my friend, for this magnificent welcome. It really was a magnificent welcome like none other, and for so graciously hosting us on this very historic state visit.”

The US President said the meetings between the American and Chinese delegations focused on strengthening cooperation between the two global powers.

“We had extremely positive and productive conversations and meetings today with the Chinese delegation earlier, and this evening is another cherished opportunity to discuss among friends some of the things that we discussed today, all good for the United States and for China,” he stated.

Although Mr Trump did not provide specific details about the closed-door discussions between the two leaders, his remarks suggested an effort to project warmth and mutual respect amid the often complex relationship between Washington and Beijing.

Reflecting on the long history between the two nations, President Trump traced US-China relations back to the early years of America’s founding. He noted that the first American consul to China, Samuel Shaw, arrived in the country in 1784 aboard the first American trading ship to reach Chinese shores.

“The Chinese merchants had a name for the Americans,” he said. “They called them ‘the new people.’ Two and a half centuries later, that first connection has grown into one of the most consequential relationships in world history.”

President Trump also highlighted historical and cultural exchanges between the two countries, referencing admiration for Chinese philosophy among America’s founding fathers.

“Founding Father Benjamin Franklin published the sayings of Confucius in his colonial newspaper,” he said, adding that “ancient Chinese wisdom” is represented in carvings at the United States Supreme Court.

The American leader further praised the contributions of Chinese workers to the development of the United States, particularly their role in constructing the transcontinental railroad linking the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.

“Chinese workers helped lay the railroad tracks that connected our Atlantic coast to the Pacific,” he noted.

Mr Trump also pointed to American involvement in advancing education and healthcare in China, while referencing Theodore Roosevelt’s support for the establishment of Tsinghua University.

“At the request of China’s ambassador, it was President Theodore Roosevelt who provided the funds to establish President Xi’s alma mater, Tsinghua University,” he said.

Drawing applause from guests at the banquet, President Trump spoke about the alliance between the United States and China during the World War II and referenced former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s praise for the “brave people of China.”

The US President also highlighted the growing cultural and commercial ties between the two countries, joking about the popularity of American products and lifestyles in China.

“Many Chinese now love basketball, blue jeans and Chinese restaurants in America outnumber the five largest fast-food chains in the United States all combined,” he remarked.

Emphasising shared values, Mr Trump said both nations value “hard work, courage and achievement,” and expressed optimism about future cooperation.

“Together, we have the chance to draw on these values to create a future of greater prosperity, cooperation and happiness and peace for our children,” he said. “We love our children, this region and the world.”

In a significant diplomatic gesture, President Trump formally invited President Xi and China’s First Lady, Peng Liyuan, to visit the White House later in the year.

“Tonight, it is my honour to extend an invitation to you and Madam Peng to visit us at the White House this September 24th, and we look forward to it,” he announced.

President Trump concluded the evening by raising a toast to what he described as the enduring friendship between the peoples of both nations.

“I’d now like to raise a glass and propose a toast to the rich and enduring ties between the American and Chinese people,” he said. “It’s a very special relationship.”