First Xi-Trump summit to chart way forward on U.S.-China relationship: White House

U.S. President Donald Trump looks forward to meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to chart a way forward on the U.S.-China relationship, the White House said Thursday. (Photo: Gage Skidmore/ Flickr)

WASHINGTON—U.S. President Donald Trump looks forward to meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to chart a way forward on the U.S.-China relationship, the White House said Thursday.

The two leaders will meet at Mar-a-Lago, Florida on April 6-7 for their first meeting since Trump assumed office in January, China and the United States concurrently announced earlier Thursday.

“The president looks forward to meeting with President Xi and exchanging views on each other’s respective priorities, and to chart a way forward on a bilateral relationship between our two nations,” White House spokesman Sean Spicer told a news briefing.

They will discuss issues of mutual concern, including the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, trade, and regional security, he added.

Spicer said the two sides reached agreement on the dates, locations and agendas of the Xi-Trump summit after several weeks of discussions.

Asked about the U.S. goal for the meeting, Spicer said this will be an opportunity for Trump “to develop a relationship in person with President Xi.”