Trump caps Xi visit with a trip to the National Archives to showcase America’s young democracy
by Tom Howell Jr. · The Washington TimesPresident Trump capped Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit with a tour of the National Archives, giving the Communist leader a glimpse at the founding documents of America’s democracy.
Bradford Wilson, the archivist of the United States, led the 10-minute tour of framed copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
Mr. Trump reflected on the disparity between China’s ancient culture and the U.S.’ relative youth.
“We were just comparing,” Mr. Trump said Friday. “Ours goes 250 years, which is great, and we’re proud of it. But theirs goes 6,000 years. There’s a little difference between 6,000 and 250, but we’re very proud of the 250.”
The archives, located in the heart of Washington, were adorned with large banners featuring five stars and the U.S. and China flags.
The leaders, joined by first lady Melania Trump and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan, entered and exited the archives on a red carpet that ran up its grand exterior staircase.
SEE ALSO: Trump, Xi seize on AI rivalry to bring the two rival superpowers closer together
Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi shared final remarks on the stairs before the Chinese couple departed for the airport and flight home.
The U.S. and China are the world’s leading economies. The Trump administration and Beijing have wrangled over tariffs and trade, and both nations want to dominate the race to develop artificial intelligence.
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On Thursday, the leaders held closed-door meetings, toured the White House grounds and toasted the U.S.-China relationship in a lavish state dinner in the East Room.
The leaders worked through trade matters, including promised Chinese purchases of U.S. farm products, and agreed that artificial intelligence should promote peace and be based on healthy competition.
Mr. Trump on Friday confirmed that the pair discussed the Iran war behind closed doors. Beijing is a strategic partner to Tehran, historically, making the topic a sensitive one.
“I think we’re gonna do good,” Mr. Trump told reporters.
SEE ALSO: Trump says U.S., China made progress during talks: ‘Very positive’
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Tom Howell Jr.
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