Trump hails WWII ‘ally’ China as Xi tells of bonds ‘forged in blood and fire’

In a surprise nod to shared history, US President Donald Trump called China a World War II ally as he welcomed Xi Jinping to the White House on Thursday ahead of summit talks.

But the historical reference was far from one-sided, with both leaders repeatedly referring to the joint fight against Japanese aggression as they sought to emphasise the long history of US-China friendship and the need to seek common ground.

“If we focus on our common interests, I’m confident there is much we can achieve,” Trump said in the White House foyer during the state welcome ceremony ahead of formal talks with the Chinese president.

“The pursuit of those common interests has connected our people across the vast oceans, across big tremendous distances, and many differences, and even made us allies in World War II,” he noted.