On September 29, 2026, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng gave an exclusive interview to Senior Foreign Policy Writer Tom O’Connor from Newsweek on President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the United States and China-U.S. relations. The full transcript was published on the Newsweek website on October 1.

Tom O’Connor asked: The meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping was among the most highly anticipated events in September. Both sides described the visit and the talks as positive, constructive and friendly. Some observers were somewhat surprised by the extent to which President Trump praised President Xi during their summit. A lot of attention was also dedicated to the degree of protocol and ceremony dedicated by the White House for the summit. Having personally participated in the whole process, what is your impression of the significance of the summit?

Ambassador Xie said that it was indeed a great honor to participate in the whole visit and witness the historic moment. In every way, this visit has made history and set a new milestone in engagement between China and the United States.

First, this was the first state visit by President Xi Jinping to the U.S. after 11 years. During the past 11 years, tremendous changes have taken place in China, the U.S., the China-U.S. relationship, and also the entire world. Through President Xi’s visit to the U.S. at President Trump’s invitation, both sides have reaffirmed the strategic value of the China-U.S. relationship in the new era.

Second, from the Beijing meeting in early summer to the Washington gathering in golden autumn, the two Presidents have exchanged visits within less than half a year. This has shown how much both sides cherish the good working relationship between the two top leaders, and also the shared commitment of both sides to seizing the opportunity to further stabilize and improve bilateral relations.

Third, the U.S. side hosted President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan with the highest-standard protocol, making thoughtful arrangements and creating many memorable highlights. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump personally greeted President Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan at the airport. The Arrival Ceremony at the White House was solemn and grand, the State Dinner was attended by many distinguished guests, the conversation over tea was cordial and heartwarming, and Chinese elements were meticulously incorporated throughout the visit. The U.S. side mentioned that such arrangements were to reciprocate the warm hospitality extended to President Trump during his visit to China in May. This reflects a pattern of interaction grounded in mutual respect and reciprocity between the two sides.

Fourth, substantive and weighty outcomes were achieved during the visit, leading to new development in the constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability. The two Presidents had a candid and in-depth exchange of views in a friendly atmosphere of mutual respect on strategic and overarching issues concerning China-U.S. relations and the broader global landscape, so as to explore ways to transcend the “Thucydides Trap”, chart the course for finding the right path for our two major countries to get along, and usher in a brighter future for humanity. This not only has advanced the well-being of both our peoples, but is also a blessing for world peace, stability, and prosperity.