Chinese President Xi Jinping stated on Thursday that China and the United States must work together to shape the future of their bilateral relationship and make 2026 a "historic and pivotal year" that opens a new chapter in relations between China and the U.S.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

At the beginning of the meeting, Xi noted that changes are accelerating around the world at an unprecedented pace, and that the international situation is changing and turbulent. He emphasized that the world is once again at a crossroads.

"Can China and the United States overcome the Thucydides Trap and create a new model of relations between major powers? Can we work together to address global challenges and provide greater stability to the world? Can we work together to build a bright future for our bilateral relations in the interest of the well-being of both peoples and the future of humanity? These are questions of fundamental importance for history, for the world, and for the people," Xi said.

"These are questions of our time, to which leaders of major countries must work together to answer," he added.

Xi emphasized that China and the United States have more common interests than differences. He noted that the success of one country is an opportunity for the other, and that stable bilateral relations are beneficial to the entire world.

"We should be partners, not rivals. We should help each other to succeed, prosper together, and find the right way for major countries to get along well in a new era," Xi stressed.

He added that he looked forward to discussing key issues of common interest and expressed his commitment to working with the United States to determine the future direction and to steer the "big ship" of China-U.S. relations.

Trump said he was looking forward to a ""great discussion"" with President Xi and added that both countries have a ""fantastic future together".

He also highlighted the presence of a large delegation of leading American business leaders who were accompanying him on the visit. He described their presence as a sign of respect for China and President Xi.

"It is an honor to be your friend, and the relationship between China and the United States will be better than ever before," Trump said.

CMG